Graham Robertson: Sovereign’s Medal

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We are over-the-moon happy to see Graham’s efforts recognized as the founder of the Cycle of Life Tour.

The Cycle of Life Tour is a yearly event where cyclists ride 200 KM over 2 days to raise funds and awareness of Hospice care.  Graham started the event as a solo ride.  He cycled from Alaska to Victoria, alone (!), to raise funds and awareness for Hospice care.  After another cyclist crossed Canada the following year for the Tour, Graham decided that the tour could become something local and involve local cyclists.  In 2013 Graham changed the event to be a local group ride to support hospices around Vancouver Island, and were co-organized by Graham and his amazing partner Beth Turner. The first ride was a huge success, and each year has represented a big increase over the previous year in terms of funds raised.

In 2015, Graham and Beth welcomed a second child into their lives, and the increased demands of parenting plus full-time work meant they didn’t have steam left for the Tour – and so Victoria Hospice took over the reins of the Cycle of Life Tour.  Such a successful tour will be a huge asset to Hospice care fundraising going forward. Since 2011, the Cycle of Life Tour has raised over $1.5 million for hospice care on Vancouver Island.

Back row, fourth from the right, Graham Robertson stands with the rest of the local islanders who were recently honoured with the Sovereigns Medal for Volunteer Service.
Back row, fourth from the right, Graham Robertson stands with the rest of the local islanders who were recently honoured with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteer Service.

Thank you Graham, for being an inspiration to all of us here at Acacia.  Showing us what can be done with persistent effort and a lot of heart.