A Canadian hero will get his day in Manitoba. Terry Fox became famous for his cross-country marathon of hope in 1980.

Now, the province will name the August civic holiday in his honour. A fitting tribute - says Terry's aunt in Winnipeg.

“Actually, if you knew him, it would break your heart. He was a sweetheart. He was the best," said Barbara Hogan.

Terry stayed with her when he ran through Montreal. His marathon ended in Thunder Bay, Ontario, when Terry's cancer spread.

He passed away at the age 22. Since then, $600 million has been raised for cancer research in his name.

Now, more than 30 years later, a day remembering that hero.

“I think it's time. He was a great kid,” Hogan said.

Others thought it time as well. On Terry Fox's birthday in Winnipeg, the city where he was born, a social media campaign took off.

That sparked attention from the provincial government.

People in Winnipeg applaud the move.

“It's a wonderful idea, they should have done it a long time ago,” said Augotino Torchia.

Many suggest the idea spreads.

”I think he is a great Canadian hero, and I think it should be all across Canada,” said Shelley Stephen, visiting from B.C.

In Lethbridge, Alberta, the uncle that Terry was named after agrees.

“We've got to keep his memory alive and all he tried to accomplish and the fight he put on," he said.

Terry's aunt in Winnipeg hopes people use the day to reflect on the toll cancer takes on the mind, body and family -- and to spend time with their loved ones.

“I want everybody to get out and enjoy their day - Terry Fox Day,” said Hogan.