COQUITLAM — They came en masse, wearing helmets, clad in team colours and a purpose.

Members of the Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast cruised into Scott Creek Middle School’s parking lot on Wednesday to a cheering crowd of teens.

The procession, which began a nine-day, 900-kilometre bike ride to raise funds for pediatric cancer research and programs for kids with cancer and their families, was in high spirits as students welcomed them into Coquitlam.

The teens also showed their enthusiasm by turning over a cheque for $5,308.32 for the cause.

Among the riders in this year’s tour are Vancouver Police Department Const. Elizabeth Miller, the co-captain and also a cancer survivor, Coquitlam RCMP Constables Matthew Berinbaum, Jennifer Goodings, Michael Murray and Daniel Nolet, and Port Moody Police Const. Jenn Ohashi.

The junior team members were led by 14-year-old Caleb Macey, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when he was eight years old, and ended his treatment five years ago.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer campaign is celebrating 15 years in B.C., having raised $27 million.

The money raised goes to a variety of needs, including pediatric cancer research.

In addition, the society operates support programs to improve the lives of children with cancer, survivors and their families — like Camp Goodtimes, the acclaimed summer camp at Loon Lake in Maple Ridge. Donations are also used to provide financial aid for families’ travel, accommodation and cancer drugs.