The B.C. government says it will immortalize one of the province’s most revered heroes by declaring the second Sunday after every Labour Day “Terry Fox Day.”

That’s the day reserved for the Terry Fox Run, the annual fundraising event for cancer initiatives.

The announcement comes after the B.C. Legislature passed the Terry Fox Day Act, marking the first official day dedicated to the man who ran for 143 days and more than 5,000 kilometres in 1980.

"Terry Fox is an inspiration for British Columbians, Canadians, and people all over the world," Premier Christy Clark said in a statement. "His message of hope and the movement he started continue to impact countless

lives.”

After losing a leg to cancer at age 18, Fox started his Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research. He was forced to end his journey less than five months later, and passed away in June 1981.

More than $650-million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Fox’s name since his passing.

The first Terry Fox Day will be held on Sun., Sept. 20, 2015.