They did it. Eight determined cyclists took on the inaugural End2End Cycling Relay, pedalling 1,000 kilometres from Victoria to Port Hardy and back in under 48 hours, surpassing their goal, to raise an incredible $110,584 (and counting!) for the Island Kids Cancer Association.

The team battled fatigue, illness, and relentless weather, riding through the night in 50-kilometre relay shifts. Led by End2End chair Andy Dunstan, a retired police officer and part-time bike shop employee who envisioned this event, the cycling team included:

• Bill Fry, owner of Trek Bicycle Store Victoria
• Rob McDonald, Saanich Police officer
• Chris Day, firefighter at CFB Esquimalt
• Mary Griffin, CHEK News reporter
• Steve Foster, former RCMP officer
• Erin Glazier, commercial realtor
• Kevin Nystedt, Victoria Police detective

Each of them rode with purpose, grit, and heart. And they didn’t ride alone. They were supported by an incredible team assisting with fundraising, press, logistics plus the support team. Before they left the Trek bike store, they were given handmade friendship necklaces made by IKCA families. They also carried a powerful symbol: the crutches once used by Jacob Kerr, who passed away from cancer in 2019 at just 19 years old. In a letter read to the team before they set off, Jacob’s mom, Susan Kerr—IKCA’s Executive Director—shared his spirit:

“Jacob never stopped moving forward… These crutches are a testament to his will to keep going, to never give up and to see the light through the darkness.”

Those crutches remained in the support vehicle throughout the journey, a constant reminder of why this ride mattered.

Why End2End Matters

IKCA helps families across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands facing childhood cancer. 

Funds raised through this year’s End2End Relay will directly support:

• Financial assistance for families
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Specialized therapies and peer support for young adult survivors
• Community events and programming across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands that bring families together, creating connection and lasting memories

We provide these services because when a child is diagnosed with cancer, everything changes. Parents often must take extended time off work or temporarily relocate to Vancouver for treatment. Despite the challenges and upheaval, the day-to-day costs don’t go away.

“Families should not have to worry about the ability to put food on the table or fuel in their cars when their child has cancer,” says Susan Kerr.

But our ability to help depends entirely on community support. Thanks to End2End and every single donor, sponsor, and supporter IKCA now has more resources to answer those calls for help. 

A True Vancouver Island Effort

What makes End2End special is how deeply Island-based this effort was. From Port McNeill cookie sales to a Comox Valley barn dance and Victoria spinathons, this was a groundswell of Islanders helping Islanders—true to the event’s motto.

Almost every dollar raised came from individuals, businesses, and communities right here on Vancouver Island.

To the cyclists, the volunteers, the event organizers, the donors, and the sponsors: Thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for pushing through. Thank you for believing that no family should face childhood cancer alone.

The 50/50 associated with this event has now closed and the winner has been drawn.

For further updates on next year’s event visit: https://www.end2endcancer.com/