Local firefighter spins the wheels for Tour de Rock

Kateryna Bandura, 
Lookout Editor

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As the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock 25th anniversary ride made one of their last stops in Esquimalt on Friday, Oct. 7, one participant said it has been an amazing and emotional journey.

“I recognize the honour and privilege I have been given to represent the base community. The children and their stories really put my life into perspective,” said Lieutenant (Lt) Josh Peterson with CFB Esquimalt Fire Rescue.

To help reach his goal of raising $20,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society, Lt Peterson organized this year’s Spinathon at CFB Esquimalt’s Fire Hall on Sept. 22.

Along with former inspector Trent Edwards from Saanich Police Department, Lt Peterson rode a stationary bike for close to five hours straight, pushing his mileage to 100 kilometres.

“We were overwhelmed with the support, we raised over $2,000,” he said.

Donations came from base community members and will support Paediatric cancer research. The funds will also help send children to Camp Goodtimes, a summer and year-round recreation program in Vancouver for children and teens with cancer and their families.

Lt Peterson said he participated because many of his friends and family have been affected by cancer.

“This gave me an opportunity to fundraise for the children and be part of a large fundraising event,” he said. “I think being away from families for so long is a challenge but having each other to lean on has made our experience a good one with memories we will remember forever.”

Together with the Tour de Rock team, Lt Peterson biked 1,200 kilometres over two weeks along Vancouver Island, making over 210 stops at schools and community centres.

Now that the tour is complete, Lt Peterson said he looks forward to spending more time with his family. 

“I am looking forward to life getting back to normal but I will miss the experience of Tour, it has been amazing,” he said.