A promise to a cancer-stricken child motivated Warren Lemcke to join the Cops for Cancer campaign.
During last year's ride, a group of riders visited Lemcke's Vancouver police station and they brought along with them the Junior Team.
The Junior Team is a group comprised of kids who have or are surviving cancer and it was a Junior Team member who opened Lemcke's eyes to the possibility of participating with his fellow cops in the Cops for Cancer campaign.
"I remember the kid coming into the room and asking all of us if we were all riders," Lemcke said. "I told him no and he looked at me and asked me if I had a bike. I said yes and he then told me I would be riding next year. I committed to that kid on that day. I don't know if he's still alive or even his name but I made that promise and I'm here."
The child was around 10-12 years old and Lemcke said he will never forget the inspiration the child gave him.
"You could definitely see that he had cancer or was in treatment for cancer," he said. "Everyone can relate to that, which is why this team is so important."
Lemcke, along with 21 other cops and emergency workers stopped in Squamish on Saturday (Sept. 25) during their Greater Vancouver - Tour de Coast ride.
The group started their day in Powell River, eventually making it to the Shaker Church in Squamish on late Saturday (Sept. 25). They logged over 80 kilometres in total on the day.
John Bone, a paramedic from Vancouver, made it clear why he was participating.
"I lost my brother Rob to cancer in 1993," he said. "I honestly believe that cancer is the one disease that people all over the world should come together and fight."
"The satisfaction that we're getting out of this is the opportunity to help fight cancer," he added. "This whole event is taxing on us as people. We need to be in great condition, we need to train and it takes time away from our families. But it's for a great cause."
Every rider had to raise at least $6,000 on their own to take part in the race but Lemcke wanted to point out that his employer has been very supportive to the event.
"Our agencies have been very generous," he said. "If you're here on a normal working day, you get paid. It makes taking part in this a lot easier for everyone."
At the Shaker Church, the participants were treated to traditional first nation music and dance and then a home cooked meal of salmon, rice, corn and bannock.
According to Lemcke, the invitation and connection with Squamish first nation makes sense.
"Cancer crosses all cultures," he said. "It's hard to find someone who hasn't been touched by the disease in some way. It's really nice to be here, enjoy the fantastic food and relax for a bit."
"Having the first nations being a host is important to this area and important to us," agreed Bone. "They've been great hosts to us and the rest of the team."
The group then travelled to Whistler and then Pemberton before travelling throughout the Lower Mainland on Monday (Sept. 27). The Cops for Cancer campaign wrapped up on Thursday, Sept. 30.
For more information or to donate, visit http://www.cancer.ca/British%20Columbia-Yukon/How%20you%20can%20help/BC-Fundraising%20events/BC-Cops%20for%20Cancer.aspx.
