Mayor Lyn Hall and Pat Bell at the inaugural Climb for Cancer in 2016. 250News archive

Prince George, B.C. – The second annual Climb for Cancer up the cutbanks above the Nechako River is ready to roll this afternoon.

The climb originated in 2016 as, firstly, a fundraiser for Kordyban Lodge which provides accommodation and support for cancer patients who have to travel to Prince George for treatment.  Secondly the climb was organized as an event which could develop into one with recognition as a landmark-type annual get together promoting exercise, camaraderie and, most of all, fun.

The inaugural Climb raised just over $30,000 for Kordyban Lodge with more than 200 people heading up, then down, the cutbanks.  A light drizzle just prior to the start helped firm up the sandy slope to make the trek a bit easier for the climbers.

Northern Lights Estate Winery’s Doug Bell says “rain or shine we’re going to host the event and actually if it’s a little damp it probably works in the favour of the climbers because it certainly is easier to climb that hill when there’s a little bit of water to stick it together but whether there’s a little bit of rain or its perfectly sunny we’re certainly excited about it.”

The event runs from noon to 4pm with opening ceremonies across the street from the winery beginning at noon.  That will include speeches from a few VIPs as well as someone from the Canadian Cancer Society.  That’ll be followed by live music on stage.

Bell says climbers should begin attacking the cutbanks around 12:20pm.  You can register right at the site with a $5 donation, or more if you’d like.  This is a drop-in event, so you don’t have to go climbing right off the bat.  Prime time is noon or so until 2:30 or 3, but again, it runs until 4 pm.