Mary Thomson has once again proven that age is no obstacle to a determined spirit! This summer, she completed the 150-km MS Bike for the tenth time. She cycled 75 km from Grand Bend to the University of Western Ontario in London for a night of festivities and well-deserved rest, before cycling back to Grand Bend the following day. This year, Mary raised more than $3,000 bringing her 10-year total to 1,500 km of riding and $20,000 to assist MS victims.
Giving back to the community is a family affair for this REALTOR® from Sutton Group – Select Realty Inc. She was joined by husband, Mark Lowenstine, who completed his ninth MS Bike and her daughter, Andy McMurdo, who has participated twice. Over all those miles, they encountered physical challenges and all sorts of weather phenomenon but always remained motivated.
“We so admire those who are riding with early signs of the disease and hope soon more answers will be found,” says Mary, who first became aware of MS as a child, when a close family friend received the diagnosis. She saw firsthand the challenges and the devastating effects it had on his family. According to the MS Society, Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
This year’s MS Bike in Grand Bend/London was the largest event in Canada. On July 27-28, 2013, approximately 1,000 riders generated $1.35 million. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada expects that 10,000 people will participate in 27 tours across Canada between June and mid-September. Proceeds of these events fund vital MS research as well as programs and services to assist people coping with the debilitating disease.
Pictured above, left to right: Mary Thomson, Mark Lowenstine and Andy McMurdo just after completing this summer’s bike tour.
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
