Len Spratt clocked more kilometres on his bicycle from June 21 to 29 than many people likely drove, all in the name of fundraising for children with cancer.
On June 21, the 72-year-old embarked from his home near Pigeon Lake, Alta. on a more than 1,000-kilometer cycling trip, a journey he has participated in for the last 15 years in support of the Kids with Cancer Society. On June 25, he made his way through northwest Rocky View County, and was presented with a cheque at the Madden Co-op gas station.
The ride took place from June 21 to June 29, with stops in Wainright, Consort, Hanna, Drumheller, Rosebud, Caroline, Sundre, Rimbey, Lloydminster, Warburg, Stony Plain and Madden. At each location, Spratt would stop at a Co-Op gas station to meet with the business owners and receive a donation.
To date, Spratt said he has garnered over $70,000 for the charity.
“Hopefully some more comes in from people who don’t mind supporting an old guy on a bike trying to raise money for kids who, through no fault of their own, have a debilitating disease,” he said.
While Spratt had to cover a lot of ground in the midst of a province-wide heat wave, he said stops at the gas stations, like the one he made in Madden, provide some extra motivation for him to keep going.
“It makes your heart feel really good when people are supporting you,” Spratt said. “I ride with all of the children in my hip pocket – that is really my inspiration.”
Spratt’s ride supports the Kids with Cancer Society, which works to assist children who are diagnosed with the disease. For 42 years, the charity has provided a “lifeline when their lives have been turned upside down,” according to its website.
“We offer more than 50 programs and services that address their unique and complex needs ranging from family support programs and activities, peer support, activities, counselling services, and financial and education support to name a few,” the site stated.
According to Spratt, another source of inspiration as he cycled around Alberta in scorching hot weather was remembering the kids who have passed from cancer. He referenced one who died a few years ago, and one in January.
“I ride for their memory, and for their parents who have had to go through this,” he said. “It’s the least I can do to help them out.”
Now 72 years old, Spratt has been doing the annual journey for 15 years and shows no sign of slowing down. When he’s not cycling, he is chair of the board with Gas Alberta.
While in a normal year he would have been on the road with several other riders, COVID-19 meant this year’s ride was a solo journey.
“It came down to what individuals could do to help out during the pandemic,” he said. “That is what we have been doing with the society to ensure funds keep rolling in to help these kids.”
Val Figliuzzi, the executive director at Kids with Cancer Society, said fundraisers like Spratt’s are critical every year, but this year’s has been especially important due to the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have not been able to have the fundraisers that we used to, so something like this makes us feel proud of [Spratt] and his commitments,” Figliuzzi said. “With [Spratt] riding through rural Alberta, in many ways he is representing those children who do live outside of the Edmonton area.”
For more information about the society or to donate, visit kidswithcancer.ca
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
