It was an experience of a lifetime for three Delta Police officers who participated in this year’s Cops For Cancer ride as members of the Tour de Valley team.
Rookie riders Bianca Boyce, Grayson Hawkings and Terra Schmuland pedalled 438 km over five days last month and helped raise more than $190,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Cops for Cancer, which was launched in 1994, sees law enforcement and emergency services personnel cycle hundreds of km to raise money for pediatric cancer research and support. There are four tours taking place throughout B.C. that have collectively raised more than $48 million since its inception.
Tour de Valley made stops at 26 schools from Delta to Chilliwack. Training for the tour began back in the spring as the riders built up their endurance in the months ahead.
“I definitely feel the physical and mental exhaustion from the ride, however the stops at the schools, the cheering from the kids and the pure joy on their faces gave me so much emotion and energy that it was impossible not to be able to push through,” said Boyce.
“It was the most amazing experience to be a part of and riding for the kids and getting to meet the kids made it worth every bump, scratch or bruise that we got from training or riding.”
The trio’s participation continues a tradition for the Delta Police Department that hosted a barbecue and a send-off for the team on day one of the tour that included stops in Tsawwassen and North Delta.
“Our officers, constables Boyce, Schmuland and Hawkings, similar to other Delta Police officers in years past, volunteered their time to train, fundraise, and ride along other dedicated law enforcement officers to raise money in support of pediatric cancer research and the care of children and families who are impacted by this terrible disease,” said Insp. Kim Campbell who oversees the department’s School Liaison Officer program that Boyce is a part of.
“I just want to recognize their hard work and sacrifices they made, while remaining committed to serving the community and citizens of Delta. We’re so proud of them and their commitment to our profession and to children throughout the province.”
