Dozens of Tour de North cyclists, local supporters, Prince George RCMP officers, BC sheriffs and BC Emergency Health Services staff hit the road Sunday, July 20 for their first training ride without Shane Kelly.
Kelly died on July 10 from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run that had sent both him and a local RCMP officer to hospital.
“This ride is an important part of the healing process for Shane’s teammates as we carry forward with something he was truly passionate about: raising funds for children with cancer and supporting the families who face it,” said Laura Nelson, manager of Cops for Cancer.
The community also came out to show their support, with more than 200 people gathered at the Aquatic Centre to cheer on the riders as they departed.
In addition, about 50 local cyclists joined the Tour de North participants for approximately 10 kilometres. Among them were members of the Wheeling Warriors, a local cycling group Kelly had previously belonged to. The group also raises funds for cancer research.
The Tour de North team travelled nearly 150 kilometres south along Highway 97 to Hixon and back, escorted by the RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services and BC Sheriffs.
Cpl. Jennifer Cooper of the Prince George RCMP spoke to The Citizen about the emotional impact of the event on her colleagues and the broader community.
“It was definitely a moving event,” said Cooper. “We had incredible support from the community to come out and join with us. It was an emotional time for family and friends of Shane as well as his teammates, so we appreciate the support from the Prince George community.”
She said the RCMP was grateful for the opportunity to connect with the public and support a cause that touched so many.
“It’s bigger than just the RCMP family,” Cooper said. “It affected a lot of us. We’re very grateful to have so many community riders with us this year. It’s nice to have people coming out and supporting the RCMP in one of our public events — something the public maybe doesn’t often see us involved in.
“It’s nice to show a bit more of the human side of the RCMP.”
Cooper added that the RCMP deeply appreciates the support shown to the cycling community, Tour de North and the Kelly family during such a difficult time.
Matthew Campbell, director of Cops for Cancer, spoke to The Citizen about what people shared about Kelly during the event.
“People will remember his encouragement, his ability to motivate people, his ability to always look on the positive side of life,” said Campbell. “There are so many stories people have shared about how he motivated them to be part of the team, to give it their all, to stay encouraged. He had a bright and vibrant personality that people were drawn to.”
Campbell said both riders and community members were filled with a mix of emotions — some celebrating Kelly’s life and his contributions to cancer research, while others were grieving the hole left by his passing.
Plans are already in motion to make Kelly’s memory a permanent part of future Tour de North events.
“The Tour de North team and the Canadian Cancer Society are looking for ways to honour him going forward,” said Campbell. “Possibly making the Tour de North golf tournament, which was held this year, an annual event named in his honour. Or naming areas at Camp Goodtimes after Shane, since that’s where this money goes — to help kids with cancer. We’re looking for ways to share his memory so that people can continue to remember all the good he did.”
Since Kelly’s passing, fundraising efforts have surpassed expectations. More than $122,000 had been raised under his name on the Tour de North website earlier this week.
Campbell said those funds will go directly to pediatric cancer research — a cause Kelly’s family has expressed a strong desire to support in his memory.
To donate to Kelly’s fund, visit: https://support.cancer.ca/site/TR?company_id=104949&pg=national_company
