Two Delta police officers will be trading their uniforms and police cruisers for spandex and bike helmets over the next two weeks, all in the name of raising money and awareness for childhood cancer. A/Sgt. Sarah Swallow and Const. Dave Ogilvy are taking part in this year's Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley ride.
Ogilvy, who has taken part in the annual initiative for the past decade, is serving as this year's team captain and Swallow, who rode for the first time last year, has returned as the team trainer.
Cops for Cancer is an annual campaign that raises funds for the Canadian Cancer Society while also spreading awareness about cancer prevention. There are four separate rides throughout the province - Tour de Valley, Tour de Coast, Tour de Rock (Vancouver Island) and Tour de North (northern B.C.).
The money raised goes to the Canadian Cancer Society specifically to pediatric cancer research and programs that support children living with cancer and their families.
Swallow, who has been with the department for several years, said taking part in Cops for Cancer was something she wanted to do since she began her career in policing.
"If I'm able to, how can I not be involved?" she said, adding she has been blessed with a healthy son.
"I look at him and I couldn't imagine what these families go through."
This year's ride starts tomorrow in Abbotsford, kicking off a nine-day, 900-kilometre epic journey. The ride takes the team from the Lower Mainland to Boston Bar and back, with stops at 40 schools along the way.
The tour will make its way through South Delta on Oct. 1, with stops at several local schools as well as Delta police headquarters in Ladner.
In the weeks and months before the tour begins, the riders must not only focus on raising money for the cause but also get physically ready to spend nine days riding around the Fraser Valley.
As team trainer, Swallow had the additional challenge of organizing all the training rides.
To take part in the ride, each rider must raise at least $5,000.
"It's amazing to me, just the community support we get here," Swallow said, adding that at public events, such as the annual polesit in Tsawwassen every August, residents come out and donate thousands.
Follow the ride on Twitter at @tourdevalley or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/copstourdevalley. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://copsforcancerbc.ca.
