Neil Mitchell, 48Unionville, ON
Occupation: Insurance Broker - Managing Director Marsh Canada Limited
Family: I'm married to Darla, we have three kids Cameron, Samantha and Graeme
My biggest accomplishment to date: two Ironman finishes (Ironman Canada 2002 & Ironman USA 2007)
My motivation for being a National Rider comes from a series of experiences that have occurred over the years,
1.) Terry Fox - As a teenager I was struck by the incredible courage and vision of Terry who as a young person was motivated to undertake an incredible challenge to run on one leg across Canada, moving Canadians to join him in his effort to raise funds for cancer research. Over the years I have often asked myself what would drive and inspire a person to do what he did. One leg, a marathon a day, very little support - you could almost say there was no formal support beyond his good friend, brother, mother and father. His effort was without the science of today's nutrition, training, therapists, support crews, corporate support & technology. I often reflect back on what he did, teaching all of us that with passion, purpose and preparation we can all have an impact and provide much needed support and encouragement to others.
2.) Like far too many of us I've had a few encounters and experiences over the years with families who are battling childhood cancer and regrettably a few who have lost a child to this disease. These encounters/experiences have left me amazed at the courage, resilience and maturity that these young people display in the face of this battle. The parents and friends of these children have shown me what Love looks like. These encounters/experiences have left me humbled, grateful and inspired.
3) Through my association with Tour For Kids I have been able to test my interest/desire to be a National Rider. I wanted to make sure that if I were to participate it was not going to be based on a "bucket list" event. The past six years of participating in Tour for Kids Ontario has fostered a genuine interest and desire to be a National Rider. Being a National Rider is to be a part of something much bigger and beyond oneself - for me it's about being part of a large group of people joined in the purpose to support families and their children win the fight against childhood cancer - yes it's about riding a bike but the bike is simply one small part of a bigger effort - it'll be about riding across Canada to demonstrate support and raise awareness and funds for those who are in a fight to live life.
From the movie Chariots of Fire "...He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint...." Isaiah 40: 29 - 31.
