Charlie Cetinski, Chuck Mealing, Les McLaughlin and Harvey Uppal, who embarked on their Wheel to Walk cross-country trek on June 10, were greeted with pledges of support at the Thunder Bay monument.

Ward 14 councillor Robert Pasuta and his wife, Elaine, traveled to Thunder Bay with Sandy and Steve Gray of Weeks Hardware, with an update on ongoing local fundraising efforts. Each couple had presented a personal donation of $1,000, and Sandy Gray added a cheque for $1,700, representing donations collected so far at the Hamilton Street store, which were matched by the business.

"They were really elated that we came to see them," noted Gray. "They had spoken to so many people, so many strangers, they were happy to see someone they knew."

The Wheel to Walk tour, which aims to raise 30 cents from each Canadian for spinal cord research, has also inspired a number of donations along the route. The athletes received support from Kenora mayor Len Compton, as well as a $500 donation from the Kenora Rotary Club. A doctor and his wife from Victoria approached the group in a Regina restaurant and wrote out a cheque for $1,000.

And the story of the marathon has reached beyond borders: a $4,500 cheque - 30 cents per person for 150 Canadians - was submitted by a Danish paraplegic who wanted to help.

Anyone wishing to add their support for the daily marathon can make a donation at any branch of TD Canada Trust or online at www.wheeltowalkcanada.org.

The Wheel to Walk athletes are slated to roll into Flamborough next Friday (August 1) and Gray hopes to give them a warm welcome. According to the schedule, they will be heading down Centre Road around 3 p.m.

"I want to see people line the streets when they come through town," said Gray, who hopes to form a motorcycle escort for the marathoners, starting at Joe Sams Leisure Park and finishing at a stop in the Weeks store parking lot.

In addition, a welcome home celebration is planned by the Freelton Lions for Saturday, August 2. The festivities will kick off at 11 a.m., with some friendly ball games in the park, live music and fundraisers such as a silent auction, a bake sale and cow-patty bingo. The Lions trailer will be on site, with members grilling up hamburgers and sausages, and refreshments will be available.

At 1 p.m., a parade - starring the local heroes - will make its way from the Freelton Lions Villa through to the ballpark, where it will be officially welcomed by friends, supporters and dignitaries, including honorary Wheel to Walk chair Patrick McKenna, who will emcee the festivities.