This Day in Canadian History

March 31, 1984 - Steve Fonyo re-starts Terry Fox's journey

In the legendary story of Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope, a name forgotten all too often is Steve Fonyo.

On March 31, 1984 Fonyo, who had also lost a leg to cancer, started re-tracing Terry Fox's path across Canada by dipping his prosthetic leg in the harbour at St John's, Newfoundland.

Fox had passed away just under three years previous. A year before his passing Fox had been forced to abandon his Marathon.

On May 29, 1985 Fonyo concluded his run in Victoria, BC. The beach on which he concluded his ride is now named after him -- as are numerous other landmarks across the country.

Fonyo succeeded in raising $13 for Cancer Research, and was named to the Order of Canada within a year of completing his run. Sadly, Fonyo's father, Steve Fonyo sr, would die of lung cancer later in that year.

Fonyo would repeat his incredible feat by running across Britain in 1986 and '87.

Unfortunately, in 1997, Fonyo's life would tumble from the inspiring heights he had achieved when he was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, a firearms offense, theft, and fraud. He would recieve a suspended sentence of 18 months.

Fonyo would eventually go on to earn a helicopter pilot's license.

Fonyo evidently didn't possess all the qualities Canadians continue to righly credit to Terry Fox. But one thing he evidently did share with Fox was the determination to make a difference.