Port Dover man finishes cross-country cycling fundraiser in honour of late son

A Port Dover father has completed an incredible 5,000 km ride across Canada in honour of his son who died of a rare brain disease last year.

It was a journey of grief, love, and determination, as Dan Johnson also raised nearly $300,000 to help fund a much needed hospice for the Haldimand and Norfolk County region.

When he was just six-years-old, Luke Johnson was diagnosed with a rare brain disease.

“Luke was just flourishing in every aspect of life, and just a fantastic young guy,” said Johnson.

Throughout his battle, his family and community was by Luke’s side.

“We spent two years trying to crack that and figure it out,” said Johnson. “We were very blessed to have access to resources and doctors, and everything we could to try.”

But tragically, Luke didn’t make it.

“He was smart, he was a student, and he learned and he absorbed and he continued to progress,” said Johnson. “He was very capable even at a young age to do anything he set his mind to.”

To honour his memory, Johnson set out on a ride across Canada, pedaling from Vancouver to Port Dover — a 5,000 km journey.

Along the way, he raised nearly $300,000 to help the Haldimand and Norfolk County region build a hospice facility of its own.

“Once you walk through the doors, you’re dealing with so much at home when someone is dying, and when the family and residents walk into a hospice, they’re wrapped in our arms, and we hold onto them, and carry them through the very difficult days,” said Andrea Binkle, the executive director at the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice.

Fundraisers said they are a quarter of the way towards their final goal of $14 million to complete the project.

“It wasn’t about me, it wasn’t about the hospice,” said Johnson, “even bigger than all of us is God’s desire to let us know that loving your neighbour is very important.”

“In fact, it may be the most principled thing in life — in giving your life away,” said Johnson.

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As Johnson was welcomed by hundreds of neighbours and friends during his final leg home, this story of hope and triumph, was marred by an ugly act.

“You’ve arrived back in your home town, and you walk out into this pavilion and greet hundreds of spectators, and share your story, and someone has the audacity to steal your cellphone,” said Const. Andrew Gamble with Ontario Provincial Police. “Imagine this, this is what happened yesterday at the Silverlake Park in Port Dover.”

“It is frustrating and is upsetting, and it really is hard to imagine someone would do something like this,” said Gamble.

Yet, someone did.

Despite the setback, Johnson said his focus remains on Luke’s legacy, and seeing a hospice get built in his community.

Anyone interested in contributing to the fundraiser can visit their website here.

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