A 15-year-old boy is riding his bike over 350 km across Southern Ontario to raise money and awareness for epilepsy.
For the second year in a row, Chase Cartwright has participated in a bike ride from Toronto to Windsor in hopes of raising funds for Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario (ESWO), and to spread awareness about epilepsy. Chase is riding in honour of his mom, who suffers from the condition.
"It's amazing. Every few minutes I try not to cry. When I see him hanging his head because it's tough, but keeps going, it makes me very proud," says Chase's mother Judy Cartwright.
On Wednesday, Chase arrived at Ursuline College in Chatham with many members of ESWO and the community present to celebrate his progress.
Chase raised $7,500 last year for the organization and expects to exceed his goal this year. He estimates about $5,000 has been raised so far for "Chase's Ride" this year.
"This year I'm hoping more money can go towards education... awareness is always great," says Chase.
Chase began the long and grueling bike ride on Monday and still has his eyes on the prize.
"I just think about when it's over, how much people can be aware of what epilepsy is and how much I can do myself," says Chase.
Chase's next stop is back to his home in Windsor.