June 17 - Betty Fox, the mother of cancer research icon Terry Fox, arguably the world's most famous disabled athlete, has died.
A news release from the Terry Fox Foundation, which she led for 30 years, said she "passed away peacefully surrounded by love" early this morning.
Fox, who was in her early 70s, was being cared for at a hospice in Chilliwack, British Columbia., during the final weeks of her life.
"We have greatly appreciated the privacy granted to our family since Betty's illness was shared and are hoping it continues at this difficult time," the Fox family said in statement.
As a young bone cancer survivor with an artificial leg, Terry Fox won hearts with his run across Canada to raise money and awareness about the disease.
His goal was to persuade every Canadian to donate one dollar to the cause.
His 1980 "Marathon of Hope" was halted near Thunder Bay, Ontario, as he suffered a recurrence of the disease.
He died on June 28, 1981, but not before becoming, at that time, the youngest person ever to be awarded the Order of Canada.
Betty and her other son, Darrell, set up and ran the Terry Fox Foundation following his death, raising more than $550 million (£309 million) for cancer research in 28 countries through the foundation's annual Terry Fox Runs.
The first run was held on September 13, 1981.
Betty Fox was chosen as one of the Canadian flag bearers in the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Then, during the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics in Vancouver there was a special ten minute tribute to Terry Fox, followed by the arrival in BC Place of Betty and his father Rolly (pictured), who received a standing ovation before passing the flame round a ring of torchbearers.
Rick Hansen, Canada's Man in Motion, said Fox was a "remarkable woman, who will be sorely missed.
"Her enthusiasm and compassion were infectious, and her tireless dedication to pursuing Terry's dream inspired millions to believe in a world without cancer."
She is survived by Rolly, and her children Darrell, Fred and Judy.
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Contact the writer of this story at duncan.mackay@insideworldparasport.biz
