MANITOULIN—A group of four dedicated cyclists who live on Manitoulin or have strong family ties to the Island were among a total of 62 who traversed 1,100 kilometres in southern Ontario to raise funds for pancreatic cancer awareness and research.
“One of the interesting things about the 7 Days for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and Research Ride is that at the end of the ride there was a ceremony held where three people spoke, two who had ridden in this event who were dealing with pancreatic cancer. They said if not for the funds raised for research through this ride, they wouldn’t be here today,” stated Peter Carter. “After hearing that, everyone was crying—it was an amazing, emotional scene.”
“All of the money raised through the ride goes toward pancreatic cancer awareness and research,” stated Mr. Carter. “This fundraising event is not like donating to some other fundraising events where millions of dollars are raised and, say, 40 percent goes to the cause and the other 60 percent goes towards administration costs. All the money raised from this ride goes directly to pancreatic cancer awareness and research.”
Mr. Carter was among the four local cyclists taking part, including Bill Slaght, Brady Wilson and Jim Miller. “A lot of what they are focusing on with the funds raised is early detection of pancreatic cancer.”
The 7 Days ride was founded by Gord Townley in memory of his mother, Lorraine, who lost her life to pancreatic cancer. What began as a family tribute has grown into a national event. To date, 7 Days has raised over $1.9 million to support groundbreaking research and provide vital support to the thousands of Canadians impacted by this devastating disease.
Pancreatic cancer is known as the world’s toughest cancer. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, on target to become the second by 2030. The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just 10 percent. The incidence of the disease continues to rise annually, with projections indicating a 95.4 percent increase in new cases by 2025.
“Back in 2018, my energetic and healthy mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We knew at the time that it was a death sentence,” said Mia Craig, 7 Days participant and volunteer for the past six years. “I participate in this ride because I believe that the more work we do, the more awareness we spread, the greater the chance that we can extend and save lives.”
The group of dedicated cyclists embarked on the 1,100 kilometre journey over seven days to raise funds and awareness to improve the survival rate for pancreatic cancer. The ride took them through southern Ontario, starting and ending in beautiful Guelph, from Monday, May 26 to Sunday, June 1, 2025.
“I’ve participated in the ride for the past four years,” said Mr. Carter. “This was the first year for Bill who rode the seven days as well as Jim (Miller) who rode two days last year. Brady is new to the ride this year and participated two days.”
“I’m trying to grow the Manitoulin Island contingent who take part in the ride,” said Mr. Carter. “That was my goal to get more people involved, and anyone who is interested in taking part next year can get in touch with any of us.”
Mr. Carter noted that cyclists ride at least 100 miles each of the seven days. “The significance to that in cycling a Century ride of 100 miles is the ultimate. It is not easy to ride at least 100 miles each of seven days.”
The riders started in Guelph, Ontario on May 26, riding 180 kilometres to St. Thomas, then from there on the second day to Leamington (a 173-kilometre ride), the fourth day to Sarnia which is a 172-kilometre ride. The latter was a “Day from hell, pouring rain, major head wind, and cold,” said Mr. Carter.
The next day riders travelled from Sarnia to Stratford, a total of 171 kilometres. From there the riders went back to Guelph 166 kilometres and stayed two nights and two laps of Guelph and up to Orangeville, Acton and back to Guelph. The Guelph loop was taken again on June 1, before the riders took part in a wind-up celebration at Riverside Park in Guelph.
“One of the cool things about the ride this year is that one of Jim Miller’s friends from Owen Sound, Peter Peacock, took part in the ride and became a member of our group. Peter had attended Guelph University and was the roommate of Scott Runnalls who lives on Barrie Island,” continued Mr. Carter. “Peter is a good ride, and a fascinating guy, who had a lot of Scott Runnalls stories to tell.”
“Each of the riders is responsible to raise a minimum of $1,500 to take part in the ride,” said Mr. Carter. “None of us four had trouble raising this amount.”
In total, over $200,000 was raised by the participants this year. “We are still fundraising until the end of June,” said Mr. Carter. For those wishing to donate, or who would like more information on the 7 day ride can go online to https://pancreaticcancercanada.ca/7-days/
“Originally, I got involved in this ride for the cause it supports and to see if I could ride at least 100 miles per day for seven days,” said Mr. Carter. “Since first participating in this ride, I’ve probably enticed about eight people to come to Manitoulin Island for the Gore Bay Rotary Club annual Bay to Bay ride (which will take place on August 9, starting in Gore Bay), so they can see what Manitoulin is all about.”
