The following statement was issued today by Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to mark an occasion of great pride for this province and this country. Twenty five years ago today, a brave, tenacious and spirited young man began a journey that would capture the hearts, minds and souls of the world.

Today, we mark the 25th Anniversary of the Marathon of Hope and we pay tribute in this House to a truly great Canadian � Terry Fox.

I am delighted that Terry�s family has returned to the place where their beloved son�s journey began all of those years ago, and I welcome them to our legislature this afternoon.

It is an honour and a privilege to have you join us today.

Terry Fox was only 18 when he was diagnosed with bone cancer. Not long after, he made a selfless decision that would result in hundreds of millions of dollars being raised to help others like him around the world.

This brave young man would proceed to win the hearts of people in this province, across the country and around the world with his courage and determination to raise money for cancer research.

This morning Minister Whalen represented the province at a ceremony to celebrate the life of Terry Fox and the 25th Anniversary of the Marathon of Hope.

I had the honour and the privilege a few years back to chair the Marathon of Hope, so I know first hand what a wonderful and emotional event this is for all involved.

At today�s ceremony, a fitting new monument to this remarkable young man was unveiled at the very place where he dipped his foot in the ocean to begin his cross-country run on this day in 1980.

The province and the City of St. John�s joined the Terry Fox Foundation and the Fox family to celebrate the accomplishments and legacy of this determined young man � a man who remains a role model and Canadian icon.

It�s hard to believe it�s been 25 years since Terry Fox set out on his Marathon of Hope. I know we will never forget the image of his broad smile and look of determination, running along the side of the Trans-Canada Highway in the rain and fog. It was a moment in history that will be forever remembered and treasured.

His dream was simple. He wanted to raise money for cancer research and he achieved that goal beyond the wildest dreams of those who were on hand that very first day at St. John�s Harbour.

To date, more than $360 million has been raised in his name since April 12, 1980. Terry Fox Runs are held every year around the world to keep the dream alive and to find a cure for cancer.

In this province, the legacy of Terry Fox lives on through the Terry Fox Cancer Research Lab at Memorial University. This lab opened in 1989 thanks to the money Terry Fox�s name has raised. The research conducted there has made a significant contribution to the effort to find ways of controlling cancer.

Researchers at the lab have identified a gene that kills cancer cells when it is deactivated. This discovery could lead to the development of a drug to control the gene and, in turn, control certain types of cancer. Researchers are also working on a novel molecular-based treatment for ovarian cancer.

The researchers at the lab have been very successful in obtaining research funding to carry out their work. Terry Fox knew the importance of raising money for cancer research. His life was cut short, but his legacy is ensuring his dream stays alive.

The Royal Canadian Mint has also unveiled a new dollar coin bearing Terry Fox�s image. This too is fitting, given Terry�s goal to raise $1 from every Canadian to help find a cure for cancer.

As Canadians and as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we are grateful to the Fox family for Terry�s contribution to cancer research and for giving cancer patients hope.

As a province, we are proud to be part of today�s celebration of Terry Fox and the 25th Anniversary of his Marathon of Hope and to have his family with us in St. John�s to honour his legacy.

I encourage all members to go see the new monument at the site where the Marathon of Hope began, and to remember the significant contribution of this young man, who is truly a Canadian hero.

2005 04 12                            1:40 p.m.