The 21st Terry Fox Run Abu Dhabi will be held on Friday, 19th January, on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, a UAE newspaper has reported.

In the UAE, close to AED18 million has been raised from annual Terry Fox Runs held across the country to date. Funds raised in the UAE go toward cancer research at the UAE University, The National reported.

The annual Abu Dhabi run has become the largest single-day fundraiser for cancer research, according to organisers.

"It has continued to grow," the paper quoted his brother, Fred Fox as saying. "The Terry Fox Run in Canada and around the world has raised close to $800 million Canadian dollars since 1981. Over 30 countries host Terry Fox Runs with so many more people being inspired by what Terry did. More and more people, young and older learn about Terry, have been touched by cancer and want to do what they can to keep his dream and legacy alive."

"It’s projected to raise approximately AED720,000 in the UAE in 2018," Fox said. "From funds already allocated for research projects and estimated fundraising, AED3.2 million will be available for research projects in 2018, giving researchers in the UAE the opportunity to make a difference."

"Abu Dhabi has the largest number of participants in one location around the world and I am filled with pride and gratitude that my brother’s legacy continues in countries far removed our own," said Judith Fox, Terry’s sister. "With every Terry Fox Run, more funds are raised for cancer research and we come closer to eradicating a disease that touches the whole global community."

Thirty-seven years after his death at the age of 22, Canadian hero Terry Fox continues to inspire thousands of people worldwide to run, walk and fundraise to find a cure for cancer.

Terry Fox, who had bone cancer diagnosed when he was 18 and had to have his right leg amputated above the knee, famously embarked on a marathon run across Canada wearing a prosthetic leg to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

The disease killed him 143 days and 5,373 kilometres into the Marathon of Hope, in 1981, but each year since, thousands of supporters pick up where he left off and continue Fox’s mission.