York Region police officer takes on a 24-hour fitness challenge in support of his son
A York Region police officer is undertaking a gruelling 24-hour fitness challenge on Saturday in honour of his son.
For the second year in a row, Constable Adam McEachern is competing in a fitness challenge to raise awareness and support for autism.
The challenge involves one kilometre of running, 66 push-ups, 66 air squats and a one-minute plank, repeated 66 times over the next 24 hours.
"So it ends up being 66 kilometres, 4,356 push-ups, 4,356 air squats, and 66 one-minute planks," McEachern says.
McEachern chose those numbers based on statistics indicating that one in one in 66 children in Canada will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
McEachern's son, Caleb, was diagnosed on the spectrum at three and a half years old.
Now eight years old, Caleb is McEachern's biggest inspiration.
"He's a very special, talented, bright young man," he said. "He pushes me. He pushes me. He's my superman."
The funds raised from this event will go towards Kerry's Place Autism Services, which provides support and services for kids, young adults and adults with autism.
The service provides 24/7 supportive care in homes throughout Ontario.
McEachern hopes to raise $100,000 for Kerry's Place.
"The challenge is to change the world that we live in, even if it's a little small part of it, so that people like my son can have a more even chance," the Constable says. "So if I can do it, then I'll do it every year."
Sue Coke, CEO of Kerry's Place, said that events like this help provide other supports, such as respite and camps and support for young adults seeking jobs.
"We help our young adults with interviewing skills and coaching with getting jobs," Coke says.
McEachern will be participating in the challenge until noon Sunday.
More information about donating can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.