Fight against arthritis takes to the track at TD Waterhouse

By Sean Meyer/London Community News/Twitter: Newswriter22 After getting an early jump on a hot spring day on Sunday (June 10), the London edition of the annual Arthritis Walk got underway at TD Waterhouse Stadium. Registration for the walk was free and began at 8 a.m. The approximately 350 participants set their fundraising goals to win incentive prizes. Participants were encouraged to raise at least $100 in donations, which earned them not only praise, but also an official Walk to Fight Arthritis t-shirt. The walkers could do two laps of the TD Waterhouse track to equal one kilometre or they could follow an extended route around the stadium, or do 11 laps of the track, to total five kilometres. Dan Knight, community engagement coordinator for the Arthritis Society’s southwest region, posted on the event’s Facebook page later on Sunday that the event had raised a substantial amount before the final totals were even all in. “Thank you to everyone involved in today's Walk to Fight Arthritis,” Knight’s post read. “Thanks to you we have a rough number to share with you in terms of funds raised, $60,416.16 was raised thanks to your efforts. Congratulations and thank you.” Prior to the start of the event, Knight thanked the crowd for its participation, no matter what their individual reasons. Events like the walk, Knight said, are vital to help fund research into a disease that can — despite long-held stereotypes — can affect people as young as six months old. For more information visit www.walktofightarthritis.ca. Find us on Facebook: London Community News