Run for Austin: Islander runs marathon in honour of late nephew
A Prince Edward Island man ran 200 kilometres over four days in memory of a special little boy, while also helping an organization that came through for his family.
Adam Clark arrived to a hero’s welcome as he finished the final leg of his journey in Morell, P.E.I., Monday.
Clark was running in memory of his nephew and godson, Austin Chartier, who died at Halifax's IWK Health Centre back in 2019.
His family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while Austin received care.
"It just really touched my heart how great the RMHC was," said Clark. "So, when I heard that they were expanding, I wanted to try to do something for them in his memory."
The fundraiser has already collected over $8,000, nearing his $10,000 ten goal.
Austin’s parents, Jason and Leah Chartier, were waiting for Clark at the finish line.
"Just to see the show of support for Adam and for us," said Jason Chartier. "Even just in the community in the years since Austin‘s passing, has been a blessing to have all the support we’ve had."
The whole family came out to see Clark complete the run and they didn't let him do it alone.
Someone was alongside, in a car, by bike, or on foot, for the whole journey.
That includes his younger brother Caleb Clark, who was beside him for the last 30 kilometres, despite never having run a marathon.
"It was great the adrenaline at the end was awesome," said Caleb Clark. "I'ts great being here and knowing what we did."
Clark had hoped to make it all the way to East Point, the easternmost tip of P.E.I., but running five-and-a-half marathons in four days took a toll on his body.
That didn’t dampen his spirits, however.
Clark made great strides for Austin and for the organization that helped his family when they needed it most.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report says explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.