That's Slumdog Millionaire actor Ashutosh Lobo-Gajiwala's advice to kids fighting the ailment; his grandmother is a patient too

Slumdog actor hails Terry Fox Run

That's Slumdog Millionaire actor Ashutosh Lobo-Gajiwala's advice to kids fighting the ailment; his grandmother is a patient too

Mumbaikars, especially school kids, showed their enthusiasm for the 12th Terry Fox Run as they appeared in large numbers yesterday for the annual event organised to raise funds for cancer research.

Though actor Ashutosh Lobo-Gajiwala (of Slumdog Millionaire fame) hogged the limelight, he ensured the focus did not drift away from the run, which was flagged off by Commissioner of Police D Sivanandan opposite hotel Trident.u00a0

Ashutosh, who has been actively participating in the 3.5 km run for the last four years, feels that it is his duty to support the cause as he has a grandmother at home suffering from cancer.

"There are so many cancer patients all over India and they need someone to live for them. They also wish to know that people are doing something for them and for the development of cancer research, which makes them lead a normal life. I know how hard it is, but when I see my grandmother battling, I feel there is a ray of hope still left," says Ashutosh.

Noble cause
Apart from him, his mother Astrid Lobo-Gajiwala, a doctor at the Tata Memorial Hospital, also works for the cause of cancer patients.

Ashutosh urged cancer patients across India to draw inspiration from Terry Fox. "Look at Terry Fox. He knew he was going to die, but he didn't let that stop him from running a marathon a day for 143 days. I think people without cancer would not be able to do the same thing," he said.

Ashutosh was also joined by actress Tara Sharma supporting the Marathon of Hope.

Judith Fox, Terry's sister, thanked everyone profusely for participating in the Marathon of Hope and wished to keep the legacy of the Terry Fox family alive.

Across 34 countries
"I am delighted that over the years the annual run has been able to contribute for cancer research. We have 34 countries that are doing Terry Fox Runs now. It's quite amazing that Terry 30 years ago did his Marathon of Hope and captured a nation, and now he has captured the hearts of people all over the world. Terry was an extraordinary person and I'm sure he is looking down and smiling at all of us today," Judith said to the gathered crowd.

The money raised from the Terry Fox Run would be utilised for cancer research in India at the Tata Memorial Hospital.