TORONTO — Betty Fox says the spirit of her son lives on in the hearts of many Canadians.

The Terry Fox Foundation is marking the 30th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope with a new cancer research fundraising initiative.

An online auction will allow Canadians to bid on 30 pairs of Medallist Edition replica shoes signed by Canadian Olympians and Paralympians from the Vancouver Games.

The shoes, bearing the signatures of such athletes as Kristina Groves, Clara Hughes and Jasey-Jay Anderson, will be on sale on eBay from Sept. 7-21.

Canadians can also buy 30th anniversary shoelaces for $5 at Adidas stores across Canada, or through the foundation.

The 30th annual run is set for Sept. 19.

When he started out in St. John's on April 12, 1980, Terry Fox planned to run a marathon a day -- about 40 kilometres -- until he made it to the West Coast.

Five months later he had reached Thunder Bay, Ont., where the cancer that had claimed his right leg was diagnosed in his lungs.

Fox died on June 28, 1981 at the age of 22. He is celebrated as one of Canada's most beloved heroes while his feat is honoured with runs around the globe.

His name adorns schools, roadways and statues.