D’Arcy McDonald, left, and Paul Eldridge were among 28 cyclists who arrived in Charlottetown on Aug. 22 after completing the Wellspring Ride for Cancer Support: Pedal to P.E.I. Photo by Vivian Ulinwa /The GuardianArticle contentTwenty-eight cyclists arrived in Charlottetown on Aug. 22 after an eight-day relay ride from Ontario to P.E.I. to raise money for people affected by cancer.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe cyclists were taking part in the Wellspring Ride for Cancer Support: Pedal to P.E.I., an annual fundraiser for Wellspring Cancer Support.Article contentArticle contentThe ride began Aug. 15 and took cyclists through Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia before ending in Charlottetown.Article contentArticle contentThe cyclists were divided into five teams and kept the ride going 24 hours a day, taking turns on the road.Article contentPaul Eldridge, a Wellspring board member and one of the cyclists, said the group was expected to raise about $500,000 for the organization.Article content“It was pretty epic, actually,” Eldridge said of the ride.Article content D’Arcy McDonald was one of 28 cyclists who arrived in Charlottetown on Aug. 22 as part of the Wellspring Ride for Cancer Support. McDonald, whose father received support from Wellspring while living with prostate cancer, was taking part in the ride for the sixth time. Photo by Vivian Ulinwa /The GuardianArticle contentRiding in shiftsArticle contentEldridge said the teams rode in six-hour shifts, meaning some cyclists were on the road overnight.Article content“Because it’s 24 hours, essentially half of your riding is in the dark,” he said.Article contentA vehicle followed the cyclists to provide additional lighting and support. Eldridge said all 28 riders made it safely to Charlottetown.Article content“The most important thing is making sure everyone arrives safe,” he said.Article contentThis was Eldridge’s fifth Wellspring ride. He first participated in 2014 and said the event is a way to raise money and awareness for the organization.Article contentWellspring provides free programs for people living with cancer, as well as their caregivers and families. Its programs include emotional support, exercise and movement programs and help with financial and workplace challenges. Programs are available online across Canada and at centres in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick.Article contentArticle contentEldridge said those supports are meant to help with parts of a cancer diagnosis that go beyond medical treatment.Article contentArticle content“It affects your job, your family, and the rest of your life outside the medical part,” he said.Article contentWellspring receives no core government or hospital funding and relies on donations to provide its programs.Article content Spencer Eldridge, left, welcomes his father, Paul Eldridge, as he arrives in Charlottetown on Aug. 22 after taking part in the Wellspring Ride for Cancer Support: Pedal to PEI. Paul was one of 28 cyclists who completed the eight-day fundraising ride. Photo by Vivian Ulinwa /The GuardianArticle contentPersonal connectionArticle contentFor fellow rider D’Arcy McDonald, the work is personal.Article contentMcDonald said his father had prostate cancer and received support from Wellspring.Article content“He received a lot of help from Wellspring that just gave him a lot of peace and normalcy, which is special,” McDonald said.Article contentHe said many of the other cyclists also have personal connections to cancer.Article content“Everyone who rides has a story.”Article content Cyclists with the Wellspring Ride for Cancer Support gather near the Charlottetown waterfront on Aug. 22 after completing an eight-day fundraising ride from Ontario to P.E.I. The ride raises money to provide free support programs for people affected by cancer. Photo by Vivian Ulinwa /The GuardianArticle contentThis was McDonald’s sixth Wellspring ride. He has previously participated in rides to destinations including Las Vegas, Austin, Halifax, Miami and Colorado.Article contentMcDonald said this year’s route through Eastern Canada made the trip to P.E.I. different from his previous rides.
Cancer support ride ends in Charlottetown after eight-day journey
