Laurier alumni set to paddle 162 kilometres through Algonquin Park to support melanoma research

July 21, 2026

When three lifelong friends launch their boat from Canoe Lake before sunrise on July 29, they won’t simply be setting off on one of Algonquin Provincial Park’s toughest endurance challenges. They will be paddling for a friend.

Wilfrid Laurier University alumni Cole Ellis-Hale (BBA ’21, MBA ’24) and Matthew Fish (BBA, BSc ’21), alongside longtime friend Jonathan Lively, will attempt the famed Brent Run, a gruelling 162-kilometre canoe challenge that takes paddlers from Canoe Lake to the Brent Store, crossing 14 lakes and 23 portages along the way, before retracing the route back to Canoe Lake.

Widely regarded as one of Algonquin’s ultimate endurance tests, the route will see the trio paddle and portage through the day and night to complete the challenge as quickly as possible. While the current record stands at just under 23 hours, the group’s goal is simpler: finish safely while raising $10,000 for Melanoma Canada in honour of their lifelong friend, Nik Paradis, who is living with melanoma.

“Our goal isn’t necessarily to beat the record, because doing the Brent Run on its own is quite the accomplishment,” says Lively, who has completed the Brent Run once before. “But, of course, we’re going to be trying to go as fast as we can. It’s half a physical battle. It’s half a mental battle.”

The three friends grew up together in Waterloo Region and have known Paradis since elementary school. Fish says they wanted to find a challenge that reflected his adventurous spirit.

“Nik has always been someone who lives life to the fullest, on the edge,” says Fish. “He has been skydiving, he’s done wingsuiting, just a big adrenaline junkie. This felt like something that will really honour him while bringing the community together to support a cause that’s become very personal.”

Paradis was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma several years ago at the age of 28. He has responded well to treatment, allowing him to return to many of the activities he enjoys.

“It’s been inspiring to watch,” says Fish. “He’s gotten back to travelling, golfing and living his life. He hasn’t let the disease define him. If there’s someone I wouldn’t bet against, it’s Nik.”

For Ellis-Hale, the fundraiser is also about transforming feelings of helplessness around Paradis’ diagnosis into action.

“In a way, there’s nothing you can really do to fix something like this,” says Ellis-Hale. “I felt a little helpless to help my friend. Maybe this fundraiser can help make a difference for him or someone else. It makes me feel like I’m doing something instead of just sitting on my hands and hoping my friend pulls through.”

A Laurier mindset of giving back

For Ellis-Hale and Fish, the fundraiser reflects values they say were strengthened during their time at Laurier. Fish points to the university’s culture of community involvement, recalling annual Movember fundraising efforts with the Laurier rugby team and the financial support he received through scholarships and bursaries.

“There is a community at Laurier that prides itself in giving back to the community and to paying it forward,” says Fish. “This fundraiser is another opportunity for us to support an organization and our community.”

Ellis-Hale says Laurier played a significant role in shaping his path, noting he is grateful for the support he received during both his undergraduate and master’s studies.

“Laurier broadened my horizons and gave me opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise had,” says Ellis-Hale. “The university showed me so much support that it’s time to start giving back. And this is something special that’s going to allow me to do that.”

Although Ellis-Hale, Fish and Lively have spent time canoe tripping together in Algonquin, the Brent Run will be something different. The route requires hours of paddling and repeated carries over rugged portages. The team plans to travel through the night using headlamps, in addition to marking portage locations with glow sticks to help make their return journey from the Brent Store easier. Weather remains one of the biggest unknowns.

“In Algonquin, the weather can take a turn on the drop of a pin and then you’re paddling through a torrential storm,” says Fish. “The time of year we’re going, we should probably be in the clear for a lot of that. But I can imagine paddling for 24 hours in a rainstorm would not be as much fun as some beautiful weather.”

Preparing for the Brent Run

The trio has been training for their upcoming fundraiser. Ellis-Hale recently completed an Ironman race in Mont Tremblant, Quebec to build endurance, while Fish has balanced competition for Canada’s national rugby league team with gym training. Lively, who completed the Brent Run as an 18-year-old camp counsellor, has focused on swimming and cardiovascular training while preparing to lead navigation during the trip.

“I know there will be moments when I notice the difference between my 18-year-old body and my 28-year-old body,” says Lively, a 2021 graduate in environmental management from the University of Waterloo. “But I feel really confident going with Matt and Cole because they are both very physically capable to do a trip like this. We’ve got a great team.”

Despite the physical demands ahead, Lively hopes the group will remember to appreciate the natural beauty of Algonquin Park.

“We’re going to one of the most beautiful places in Canada,” he says. “Even though we’re moving fast, we’re going to have to remember to take it all in.”

Supporting Melanoma Canada

Ellis-Hale, Fish and Lively say they chose Melanoma Canada as the beneficiary of their fundraiser because of its work promoting research, prevention and education around skin cancer.

“Melanoma Canada has been an incredible partner,” says Ellis-Hale. “From helping us set up the fundraiser to supporting awareness efforts, they’ve made the process easy. Their work educating people about melanoma and sun safety makes a difference.”

With community support continuing to grow, the team says every donation provides extra motivation as they prepare for one of Canada’s toughest canoe challenges.

“The support has been amazing,” says Fish. “Now it’s about making everyone proud and finishing the deal.”

Learn more about melanoma at Melanoma Canada and how to get involved at the Melanoma Canada Crowd Change portal.