A Canadian father and his son who recently arrived from the United Kingdom began cycling 7,500 kilometres on May 6, embarking on an eight-week journey inspired by the life, strength, and compassion of a nurse who has touched countless lives despite facing profound personal challenges.
Dr. Andrew Turnbull and his son, Judah, will ride from Victoria, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, to raise awareness and support for the mental health of Canada’s nurses. Their goal is to raise $15,000 in support of mental health initiatives for nurses through Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF). The ride officially began this week during Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week and just ahead of National Nursing Week.
The ride is in honour of Andy’s mother and Judah’s grandmother, Debby, a nurse from British Columbia who is in a final fight with cancer after living for more than 20 years battling mental health challenges.
“While suffering through immense challenges, my mom has always maintained her compassionate nurse’s heart,” said Dr. Andy Turnbull. “Her resilience has inspired our entire family. This ride is our way of honouring her life, recognizing the incredible nurses who cared for her, and supporting the mental health of nurses across Canada.”
Debby spent her career caring for others as a nurse before facing her own long journey. Throughout the past two decades, nurses working in her care homes became a source of compassion, stability, and support for both Debby and her family. Andy and Judah have travelled first to British Columbia to spend precious time with her. Next week they will begin their cross-country cycling journey as both a tribute and a call to action.
“Nurses carry an immense emotional weight while continuing to care for others with compassion, professionalism and strength every single day,” said Chris McGravey, CEO of Canadian Nurses Foundation. “Andy and Judah’s journey is a deeply moving tribute to nurses across Canada and a powerful reminder that we must also care for the people who dedicate their lives to caring for us.
CNF supports nurses and nursing students across Canada through scholarships, mental health initiatives, leadership development, and programs that strengthen the nursing profession and healthcare system.
About the Canadian Nurses Foundation
The Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF) is the only national charitable organization dedicated to supporting nurses and nursing students across Canada. Since 1962, CNF has invested millions of dollars in nursing education, leadership, research, and programs that strengthen healthcare across the country.
For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact:
Chris McGarvey, CEO Canadian Nurses Foundation
cmcgarvey@cnf-fiic.ca
