B.C. man switches to bike during 500-km cystic fibrosis fundraiser

Darren Kerr is raising money for cystic fibrosis by attempting to cover 500 kilometres — the equivalent of 11 marathons — in 11 days from the top of Vancouver Island to the bottom.

Kerr, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at three months old, began the challenge as a run and was covering more than 50 kilometres a day. Friend Willam Savage followed in a blue support truck, providing food and water and helping manage the logistics.

Kerr developed sharp foot pain on the third day but continued for another three days and nearly 100 kilometres before deciding he could no longer run. He said his condition has meant hospital visits and travelling with more than 30 medications and lung-clearing equipment.

Savage found a low-cost used bicycle, allowing Kerr to continue the fundraiser despite having no long-distance cycling experience. Kerr said he rode 80 kilometres on his first day on the bike and was preparing to pedal the final 44-kilometre leg.

Kerr says he hopes the effort raises both funds and encouragement for people living with health conditions.