Brother of late Chase McEachern biking for AED fund

Cole McEachern on his bike (Source: John McEachern/Supplied)

Barrie's Cole McEachern announced his itinerary this weekend for his planned bike ride from Ottawa to the Maritimes, raising funds for the Chase McEachern AED Memorial Fund Inc.

His journey will take him from Ottawa through Montreal, then Quebec City, before ending in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, for a total of 874 kilometres.

Cole's older brother Chase grew up with a heart condition and died on February 6, 2006, after collapsing at Prince of Wales Public School from cardiac arrest. He was 11-years-old.

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Since then, more than 1,000 defibrillators have been introduced in public facilities across the province that can be used to immediately treat someone in cardiac arrest, increasing the chances of survival.

According to its website, the Chase McEachern AED Memorial Fund Inc. strives to supply defibrillators to not-for-profit organizations that cannot afford them and to increase public knowledge on how to use defibrillators in emergencies.

Cole most recently did a fundraiser when he around Ottawa in 2021, raising more than $2,000 and allowing for a defibrillator to be added at a local rink.

"I'd be very happy if I can raise enough money to donate an AED to somewhere in need while also keeping my brother's dream alive," said Cole. The 28-year-old plans to leave Ottawa on September 14 and arrive in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, on September 19.

Donations to Cole's fundraiser can be made on CanadaHelps.org.