This August 6 and 7 Okotoks resident Kevin Matthews will join thousands of riders in the 8th Annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Matthews says it's just a small way to honour his parents who were both diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other.

"They were both diagnosed within a about a six week span of each other. My Mom has gone through breast cancer and fought it and came out victorious. My Step-Father was diagnosed with Leukemia, it's a treatable form, he just has to remain on medications for the rest of his life to keep it at bay."

He says it's a two day ride of 100km per day, and starts at Canada Olympic Park, and stops at Okotoks for the night to rest up, then it's the 100 KM back to Canada Olympic Park for the finish.

He says he's been raising funds, and in just a few months has collected $5,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

"It hit our family pretty hard. That's why I decided we have to do our part to help out with the cause, and hopefully find a cure one day and that's why I decided to go ride a bike and see what we can do."

Matthews says he has some advice for people that might be going through the same thing.

"The person going through it, it's a lot worse for them so you have to continue to support them and be positive around them. Motivate them and push them to go through this battle and win it. It's always dark news to hear but you can't get depressed and too upset when you hear the news because you have to be their support system."

To donate to Kevin click here:Donate To Kevin Matthews

For more information click here: Conquer Cancer