MONTAGUE – Marvin MacLeod has a jacket and a hat for Rick Hansen.
And he’ll present the original "Man in Motion" with the gifts on behalf of the Northumberland Ferry service today when Hansen boards the Holiday Island en route to Prince Edward Island.
“I escorted Rick off the ferry 25 years ago and I have been given the chance to welcome him on board a quarter century later,’’ said MacLeod, who was a deck hand back in 1986. “I am currently battling cancer and Rick Hansen is a true inspiration to me as was Terry Fox.”
It’s been a quarter of a century since Rick Hansen earned the respect of the world when he conducted his round the world Man in Motion tour (in a wheelchair) to raise money and awareness for spinal cord research. Now he’s back and eastern P.E.I.’s largest town is hosting a big celebration for the renowned Canadian.
“It will be a double pleasure for me,’’ says Mayor Richard Collins who remembers Hansen’s first visit.
Twenty-five years ago, long before text messaging and cell phones, Hansen proceeded down the Main Street here with throngs of students and well wishers. One of those well wishers was Collins, who just happened to be town mayor back then.
“We’re ready to show him a grand welcome,” he said. “And everyone is invited to share in the celebration at the waterfront.”
Hansen, who has raised millions of dollars for spinal cord research, will roll off the Wood Islands ferry around 2 p.m. Wednesday and begin his tour of the Island to mark his cross Canada relay repeat aimed at fund raising for spinal cord research.
Arrives 2:15 in Wood Island Travels direct to Murray River for short stop On to Montague regional high school for 3:15 presentation Attends public gathering with presentations, food and music at Montague waterfront at 4 p.m. -
The Canadian hero was paralyzed from the waist down in a car crash when he was 15 and continues to work for integration and environmental causes. He is back to with a cross country relay with students acting as bearers to pass the medal from one hand to another as it heads to Vancouver.
“It was a beautiful September day when he was here last time and it’s almost to the day,’’ said Collins. “We hope for a huge turnout at the waterfront.”
The 54-year-old Hansen will leave Wood Islands and head to Murray River where Colin MacLeod has been selected by the community to be the medal bearer. Hansen will have a brief stop there before heading to Montague. He is expected to visit and speak with students at the regional high school before proceeding to the waterfront around 4 p.m. for the public meet and greet.
“We hope the streets will be lined with supporters,’’ said Collins. “We’ll have a few welcome speeches and presentations and some music.”
The town is hosting a barbecue for everyone who attends and promoters say Hansen welcomes the opportunity to avail himself for photographs and autographs.
The Man in Motion will stay overnight in the area and visit Cardigan consolidated Thursday morning before proceeding to St. Peter’s and Charlottetown.
