An Abbotsford Police officer who is participating in this year’s Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley fundraiser is planning to run 50 kilometres on Friday (Sept. 11) in hopes of raising $10,000 for the cause.
Const. Dan Heideman, 36, will be doing the ultra-marathon at the Fraser Valley Auto Mall, starting at 7 a.m. and running as long as he can or until the estimated cut-off time of 7 p.m. Each loop is 1.2 kilometres.
Heideman is collecting pledges – some of the automall dealers are donating money for each kilometre he completes – with all funds raised going to Cops for Cancer.
Heideman has never before completed a marathon or an ultra-marathon, but the cause is important to him.
“I have loved and lost people close to me because of cancer. As you read this, a member of my family is fighting for their life on a daily basis against cancer,” he said.
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The Tour de Valley takes place across the Fraser Valley from Sept. 21 to 25, with the team of law enforcement and emergency personnel cycling more than 800 kilometres. They are raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society for pediatric cancer research and support programs.
Heideman said he put off getting involved for seven years, but has learned “there is no room in life for excuses.”
He has been a member of the Abbotsford Police Department for eight years, spending his first five years as a patrol officer. He is now a sniper and full-time member of the emergency response team.
Donations during Heideman’s ultra-marathon can be made at the aid station in the Tim Hortons parking lot at the auto mall. They can also be made online at https://bit.ly/2ZsNVsC or through his Instagram account @zulu_ten
vhopes@abbynews.com
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