Inspired by the loss of his daughter to brain cancer, a Canadian father has raised more than C$1.6 million for research and received London's first-ever Order of London award

Losing his 33-year-old daughter Allison to brain cancer changed Wayne Dunn’s life in ways he never imagined. What began as a family’s heartbreaking loss gradually became a mission to help others facing the same disease. The London, Ontario, philanthropist launched the Dunn with Cancer Run in Allison’s memory, transforming personal grief into a fundraising campaign that has generated more than C$1.6 million for brain cancer research. His decades of service to charities, food banks and children’s organisations have now earned him another distinction as the first recipient of the City of London’s newly created Order of London, recognising his lifelong commitment to community service.

How brain cancer inspired Wayne Dunn’s mission

Wayne Dunn had spent decades supporting charitable causes before cancer touched his own family. His daughter Allison was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and often fatal form of brain cancer, at the age of 33. She had three young children and died just four months after her diagnosis in 2020. Rather than allowing grief to define his future, Dunn decided to honour her memory by launching the Dunn with Cancer Run. The event has since grown into a major fundraising initiative supporting brain cancer research across Canada, with proceeds helping researchers develop better treatments and improve outcomes for future patients.

A lifetime of giving back

Long before establishing the cancer run, Dunn had become one of London’s best-known community volunteers. He has led the Business Cares Food Drive since its inception, helping raise millions of dollars and collect thousands of tonnes of food for the London Food Bank. He also founded the Sunshine Foundation Golf Classic, which supports children living with severe physical disabilities and life-threatening illnesses. His work has brought together businesses, volunteers and local organisations to support people in need across the community.

The inspiration behind the Dunn with Cancer Run

Allison shared her father’s passion for helping others long before her illness. She worked alongside him on several charitable projects and later became Community Services Director at the House of Friendship in Waterloo, where she helped vulnerable people access support services. After her death, Dunn wanted to create something that reflected her compassion while funding research into the disease that claimed her life. Today, the Dunn with Cancer Run supports brain tumour research programmes at teaching hospitals across Canada and has raised more than C$1.6 million.Speaking to CBC, Dunn said meaningful change begins with believing in a cause and taking action instead of simply talking about it. He believes anyone can make a difference, regardless of age or income, by volunteering their time, joining community events or supporting local charities. According to him, successful fundraising is never about one person but about teams of volunteers, donors and supporters working together towards a shared goal.

Receiving London’s first Order of London

The City of London introduced the Order of London as part of its bicentennial celebrations to recognise residents who have made exceptional contributions to the community. Dunn became the inaugural recipient of the honour, recognising decades of leadership in charitable fundraising and volunteer work. He described the award as humbling and said it reflected the efforts of the many people who had stood beside him throughout his fundraising journey.

A legacy built on hope

Although his work has earned widespread recognition, Dunn says his focus remains on helping others rather than celebrating personal achievements. His journey from losing a daughter to building a fundraising movement demonstrates how personal tragedy can inspire lasting change. Through food drives, children’s charities and brain cancer research, Wayne Dunn continues to encourage others to give their time, support meaningful causes and believe that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.