When Whitehorse polio survivor Ramesh Ferris took up the Rotary Club's fight to eradicate polio, he never thought it would lead to an audience with Queen Elizabeth.

But that's exactly what happened last week during the Queen's current tour of Canada on Monday.

Invited by Yukon Senator Dan Lang, Ferris flew to Ottawa to attend a royal garden party last Wednesday at Rideau Hall. He took advantage of the opportunity by sharing Rotary's polio eradication message with the Queen.

"I am humbled by the privilege to be given time to meet with Queen Elizabeth when she visits Canada,” Ferris, whose legs are disabled by the disease, said before the visit.

"To be able to represent Rotary and present our work for a polio-free world is an honor that I will not forget.”

Last month, Ferris showed his support for polio eradication during the Rotary International Convention in Montreal by hand-cycling through the streets.

He led a group of fellow Rotary members to a special ceremony in the Old Montreal historic district, where the landmark Bonsecours Market was illuminated with Rotary's pledge to "End Polio Now.”

In 2008, Ferris hand-cycled across Canada to raise awareness and funds to fight the crippling disease that still threatens children in parts of Africa and Asia. Ferris cycled more than 7,110 kilometres by bicycle over 173 days, raising over $300,000.

Born in Tamil Nadu, India, Ferris was infected by polio when he was six months old. He was adopted by former Yukon bishop Ron Ferris at the age two and, after numerous surgeries and physical rehabilitation, learned to walk with crutches.

"Rotary's fight against polio has such a personal connection for me,” said Ferris. "To be able to prevent children from suffering through the same pain and suffering that marred my childhood is something that truly touches my heart.”