Cycling Grandma ‘retiring’ after a decade of raising big money for childhood cancer

This cycling Grandma is ‘retiring’ after a decade of raising big money for childhood cancer. CTV London's Sean Irvine has more.

An Ingersoll senior is about to ‘retire’ for the second time, after biking to raise almost $200,000 to fight childhood cancer.

For over 10 years, Henrietta Mulder has participated in the Great Cycle Challenge for Sick Kids.

This year she plans to ride 300 kilometres.

Although the distance may not be as far as in past years, at 79, her commitment to helping kids remains just as strong as when she first rode in 2017.

“I did a thousand that year. And it just kind of grew from there.”

But in the spring of 2018, the cause became deeply personal when her own daughter was stricken by cancer.

Arlene was in her 40s at the time, but still Henrietta’s baby.

“We came home from Florida, and she called us to say she had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.”

Arlene passed away that October. 8 years on, she remains Henrietta’s motivation.

“I still ride in Arlene’s memory, I can’t say that’s taken second place, but just thinking of all the kids out there, that’s what it keeps driving me.”

But the drive is coming to an end.

Henrietta says aging has forced her to make 2026 her final ride.

“It’s kind of bittersweet to stop after ten years because the need still exists. But, yeah, I’m getting too old.”

But not without one last campaign. With a goal of $15,000, she hopes to exceed the $200,000 raised over her 10-year effort.

She says a lot of that money was generated from donations and fundraisers, following CTV’s initial stories on her mission.

For instance, a local maple syrup producer in Embro.

“When he saw the story, he said, I will bring you maple syrup for every fundraiser you do, and he has,” she said with a smile.

Now, as Henrietta heads out for her final rides, she is hopeful another person will step on their bike and take over.

As they do, she hopes they’ll remember kids of all ages – lost to cancer - as they pedal hard to help children fighting their own battles today.

“It’s a rewarding thing to do. Giving back is awesome!” she concluded.