Riding for a cause
Matt Forster prepares to take part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer
For 27-year-old Langley resident Matt Forster, the days are busy with training and preparation. Matt is cycling in the Ride to Conquer Cancer on June 18 and 19. The route starts in Vancouver and ends in Seattle, a distance of around 200 kilometres.
He’s riding for a very personal reason. His Aunt Linda, a teacher at Uplands Elementary School for 24 years, passed away late last year of esophageal cancer, 18 months after being diagnosed.
Matt, who has autism, decided to participate in the annual bike ride to raise money and awareness for cancer research in memory of his aunt. Joining him in his fundraising effort and on the ride is his support worker Joey Emanuels from the Langley Association for Community Living. Both are aiming to raise $2,500 for their participation in the event.
While Matt is using his love of physical activity to help others, it has also benefitted him personally. Over the last couple of years, he has lost 115 pounds through daily exercise and healthy eating.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer won’t be Matt’s first effort to support a good cause. He also raised $300 to run in the White Rock Terry Fox Run, where his parents Judy and Brad help out.
To learn more about Matt, please visit the Langley ACL website at www.langleyacl.com and find a link to his story, including information about his fundraising efforts, on the front page.
