Vancouver Police Officer Completes Cross-Canada Bike Ride for Childhood Cancer Research

A Vancouver police officer landed in Halifax after cycling across Canada to raise money for childhood cancer research.

After 15 years riding with Cops for Cancer, Dayne Campbell was about to hang up his helmet, but then his daughter got sick. That’s why he decided to embark on this cross-country trek in her honor.

“Two-thirds of children diagnosed with cancer have lifelong consequences,” Campbell explains. “We need to do more with research and Cops for Cancer is doing that very well. We are the largest funder of pediatric research with the Canadian Cancer Society.”

He arrived at Point Pleasant Park on Thursday afternoon, having traveled 7,000 km on his bicycle.

He left British Columbia on May 6.

“It’s been amazing to do these rides over the last 53 days to raise money for this great cause and I’m so glad I did,” he said after dipping his bike tires into the Atlantic Ocean.

In 2023, Campbell retired from cycling after completing his 15th year as a Cops for Cancer rider. But within a month of that achievement, his teenage daughter was diagnosed with the disease.

“I’m really proud,” Rebecca Campbell said before her father’s trip. “It takes a lot of determination and time to even train for something like that.”

His goal was to complete the trek in 60 days, a feat that takes many runners three months.

With around 150 to 250 km of cycling per day, it is the longest route he has completed with Cops for Cancer.

“I’ve done trips over the years ranging from 15,900 to 1,000 km,” he said. “That’s where my first 15 years of involvement came in, and this year, of course, the trip across Canada.”

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A spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society calls Campbell an inspiration.

“These kids need hope and their families need hope,” Laurie Benner said. “When they see someone do this, it’s incredibly inspiring to them and I think they think, if I may say so, that anything is possible.”

Campbell exceeded his fundraising goal for this trip, raising more than $50,000.

During his time with Cops for Cancer, he raised over $150,000.

After the incredible journey, Campbell says he can’t wait to spend time with his family, adding that his daughter is doing well and has recently started physio and rehabilitation.

“And what now?” he asked. “I spend a few days with my family here. I have a sister and a brother-in-law, nieces and nephews who live here. I spend a few days with them and then I go home to my family.”

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