Latest News

Constable Kevin Li, was one of 34 law enforcement and emergency services personnel to cycle across the coast of BC in the Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast event.

Photo courtesy Kevin Li

A Richmond officer’s Tour de Coast experience

By Matthew Cheung

Published 2:36 PDT, Thu October 26, 2023

—

On Sept. 15, 34 law enforcement and emergency services personnel began cycling 800 km across the coast of BC until Sept. 22, in the 24th Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast in support of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). Riders cycled through countless cities and made tour stops at schools, local businesses, and community events to raise funds for life-saving childhood cancer research and a national support system for children affected by cancer and their families.

For one Richmond law enforcement officer, this was an event that he could not miss. Constable Kevin Li has always had a passion for cycling and when he heard about the possibility to cycle for a good cause that he held dear to his heart he signed up for the event immediately. “Cycling has always been one of my passions and hobbies. It is a great way to stay fit and healthy. As we know, engaging in a healthy lifestyle is an easy way to reduce the changes of health issues from developing,” said Li.

Const. Li’s eldest brother is the reason for his dedication to the Cops for Cancer event. His eldest brother, a leukemia survivor was only in his 20s when he was diagnosed and endured multiple strenuous chemotherapy sessions.

“While my brother was diagnosed with leukemia in his 20s, cancer can affect anyone at any stage of their life. I believe that participating in the Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast was an amazing way to raise awareness for the cause of pediatric cancer research as well as to fundraise money towards the cause. Part of the fundraised money affords children battling cancer to be able to go to summer camp where they could enjoy themselves as best they can with other children affected by cancer while having medical teams available to help them through their journey. Life is too short, and this is something small that communities can contribute to, to help children along the way,” said Li.

Although this year’s event had been cut short, the 24th annual Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast 2023 was a great success, raising over $510,000 for cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society. There will be a 25th annual event, though details have not been announced yet.

Const. Li has indicated his desire to participate in next year’s event as well as other upcoming cycling events that fundraise to support cancer research and encourages others to partake as well.

“I have participated in other cycling events, and I will be participating in future events. If you are physically able to ride, you should ride. Training will prepare you for the long days however the thought of anyone battling cancer will mentally push you to make a difference in their lives. On completion of the tour, I felt the journey does not end here and more needs to be done to help kick cancer to the curb. I believe that one child with cancer is one too many and that is one of the several reasons why my peers choose to ride,” said Li.

For more information about the Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast, visit cancer.ca/en/