Image Courtesy of Gail Harvey

Watching Terry through a Lens

By Sean Mitton, Canadian Expat Network

Gail Harvey is an award-winning Canadian photographer and filmmaker, who has had the opportunity to photograph individuals that range in diverse backgrounds from Hollywood movie stars to the common street person. She has the ability to reveal intelligent and compassionate insights into her subjects. But no one impacted her more than Terry Fox.

Harvey first contacted Bill Vigars, who was in charge of organizing Public Relations for Terry's Marathon of Hope." I took pictures on my own time, when they were in Toronto. It was such an unbelievable story," Harvey says.

Image Courtesy of Gail Harvey

Looking through the camera lens, Harvey recalls Terry having tremendous dedication and focus. "I also think of his amazing optimism," she mentions.

"When running, I'm not sure people could realize how hard this was for Terry. He was in a lot of pain," Harvey shares. "After running, the boys had a lot of fun and enjoyed goofing around. It was incredible how much he ate for breakfast. It was like eating 3 breakfasts in one sitting."  

Looking back over 30 years, Harvey comments that this was Terry's dream and the pictures document his journey.  

Harvey produced the movie 'Terry', for the Marathon of Hope 25th Anniversary and was the photographer for the image of Terry on the loonie. Terry was the first Canadian citizen to be featured on a circulated coin.

"It's amazing how much Terry affected the Canadian consciousness."

http://www.mint.ca/store/mint/learn/terry-fox-loonie-2005-1600012