Riders alumni a driving force of fundraising at Regina's annual Believe in the Gold Run

Saskatchewan Roughriders alumni were working hard to raise money for childhood cancer research at Regina’s annual Believe in the Gold Run.

Saskatchewan Roughriders alumni were working hard to raise money for childhood cancer research at Regina’s annual Believe in the Gold Run.

Runners were greeted by the sounds of trumpets and saxophones as the Rider Pep Band cheered them on at the finish line.

“It’s the number one disease killer of children and so it’s a great cause and we know where the money’s going,” former Riders linebacker Dan Rashovich told CTV News.

“We helped 44 families in Saskatchewan last year with out of pocket expenses.”

The prairie based charity has raised $1.5 million over the past decade in search for a cure.

Local health care professionals who work with young cancer patients – like paediatrician Dr. Selvy Kumaran – were also out supporting the fundraising effort.

“It’s extremely important,” she said. “I mean these families go through you know one of the most difficult times that they will ever go through so any support that we can provide to them is extremely important for not only the patients but especially their families.”