David LeGresley (L) has been participating in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer since its inception. (Photo: Ingrid Yu/The PMCF)
David LeGresley is a man of action.
Always seeking a way to make a difference, David joined the inaugural Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer despite having no connection to cancer at the time.
"I've ridden for eight years. I started off riding because it's a great cause," says David. "Then my brother was diagnosed with brain cancer, so it became an even better cause."
David's brother was diagnosed with bi-lateral brain tumours. He passed away in January 2010 at age 49.
David and his Ride team, Team Encore, direct their donations to the Pencer Brain Tumor Centre at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
"I love it. It's a great cause, we've raised a lot of money and it's a good thing to do," he adds.
On June 13-14, 4,853 participants like David gathered for the eighth annual Ride to Conquer Cancer, benefiting the Princess Margaret. More than $19 million was raised for the 2015 event, which has brought in $138 million since inception for cancer research at the Princess Margaret.
4,853 participants rode 200km+ to support cancer research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. (Photo: Edwin Santiago)
The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is a two-day cycling fundraising event spanning over 200 km across Ontario's countryside. During Opening Ceremonies, the Ride paid tribute to Carley Allison, who passed away at age 19 from cancer in March 2015. Known for her beautiful voice, Carley sang a moving rendition of O Canada at the 2014 Ride Opening Ceremonies for more than 5,200 participants.
Mark Allison (L), father of the late Carley Allison, stands with Carley's surgical oncologist, Dr. Patrick Gullane at the 2015 Ride. They are joined by Dr. Jonathan Irish (R), Head of Surgical Oncology at The Princess Margaret. (Photo: Ingrid Yu/The PMCF)
Why I Ride
Several UHN staff members have joined the Ride since its inception to support the Princess Margaret, including Dr. Neil Fleshner, Surgical Oncologist and Head of the Division of Urology at the Princess Margaret.
"I ride primarily because of a patient of mine got
me interested in the Ride," says Dr. Fleshner. "He was an avid cyclist and actually got me to get on board. It's a great event—very heartwarming. And it restores your faith in humanity for when you have bad days."
"The cause is so important," he adds. "It's a win-win. The worst part is the physical part but that pales in comparison to what my patients go through day to day. So it's all worth it."
The ninth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer in Ontario will be held June 11-12, 2016.
To register for the 2016 Ride or to support a local Rider, please visit www.conquercancer.ca or call 877-699-2453 (BIKE).
