Malaysian teen with Down syndrome aims to run 84km to raise RM50,000 for charity

Wilhelm (right) is proud of his son and hopes to break the taboo surrounding disability. Photos: Bruno Wilhelm

Alexander Wilhelm, 15, picked up running as a hobby during the pandemic and since then, the activity has become second nature to him.

To date, he has completed 17 “fun runs”, covering distances between 2km and 5km. Now, Alexander, who has Down syndrome, is lacing up his shoes for a greater cause.

Running teaches Alexander important life lessons like perseverance.

In January, he and his father, Bruno Wilhelm, launched Run Alex Run (RAR) – a fundraising initiative in support of the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The centre holds a special meaning for the family as it was where Alexander received early intervention and support during his formative years.

To encourage his fundraising efforts, Fitness First Malaysia has pledged RM10,000 to the centre if Alexander runs the equivalent of a full marathon distance of 42km by June.

In the last five months, Alexander has already clocked a total of 30km, with another 12km to achieve by next month.

But that’s not all. Alexander aims to go beyond that and complete 84km by December, and raise RM50,000 for the foundation. Plans are underway to start a public crowdfunding campaign to help reach this target.

Fostering inclusion

Through RAR, Wilhelm, 52, wants to create awareness, inclusion and hope.

“We want to break the taboo around disability and show that children with Down syndrome are capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

“Traditionally, people see disability as a burden, but Alexander proves otherwise. He is fit, determined and he is running to make a difference,” said Wilhelm, a businessman, in an interview in Kuala Lumpur.

Alexander also bakes breads and muffins to raise funds for different organisations. Photo: Ashley Pang

Wilhelm, a Swiss national who has been living in KL for over two decades, also wants to encourage parents by showing that children with special needs are capable of reaching greater heights.

“Society often assumes that people born with disabilities can’t reach the same potential as neurotypical individuals. But we hope the public will start seeing people with different abilities as part of the community, just like anyone else.

“My wife and I also want to create awareness of the importance of inclusion and early intervention programmes. Our goal is to transform our society,” says Wilhelm, who accompanies Alexander on his runs.

The father of two has seen many positive transformations in Alexander since he started running. For example, his coordination and stamina have improved a lot.

Wilhelm says what matters more are his son’s self-esteem, and the endurance training he does for each run.

“It is not easy even for a typical youth, what more for a special needs youth like him. Running gives him a goal to achieve. Running teaches him to never give up no matter how difficult it is until one arrives at the final destination. This is a very important life lesson too. He understands this and is using it in his daily life. His motto is ‘Better Every Day’.

“Alexander says running helps to keep him fit and he gets to run at different places. The music, warm-up dances, ambience and friendly runners of each race make it fun and special for him.”

To build his stamina, Alex-ander trains at the gym and runs around their neighbourhood in KL.

Wilhelm adds that his son works with a personal trainer to strengthen his endurance, mobility and agility.

“To keep him motivated, I take videos and pictures of him, documenting his whole race. I will then compile it into a video clip for him. He loves it very much. After each run, I’d take him for a nice breakfast.

“Tell me how not to be motivated?” he quips.

Giving back

This isn’t the first time Alexander is doing something for charity. During the pandemic, his mother, businesswoman Ashley Pang, 49, started Project Kindness, a pay-it-forward initiative. She set up Alex’s Bakery, a home-based effort where Alexander bakes breads and muffins to raise funds for different organisations, including welfare homes, children’s hospice, soup kitchens and non-profit schools.

Pang (top) is proud of her son's dedication to the disabled community. Photo: Ashley Pang

Wilhelm said the aim of Project Kindness is to connect people for a common cause. Through this simple project,the family has been able to spread the ripples of kindness, love and hope within the community.

“We completed 38 projects from 2021 to 2024. We are very fortunate to have very kind and supportive patrons. When we were raising funds, we received good responses. When we were collecting pre-loved books and clothes for welfare homes, many dropped off boxes for us.

“We have created a network for a kinder and caring community. This is our mission,” says Wilhelm.

As recognition for his contribution and positive impact to society, Alexander was given the 2024 Tuanku Bainun Young Change-makers Award under the “individuals aged 13-18 category”.

“This recognition is very important for him and the special needs community,” Wilhelm adds.

Through the Project Kindness initiative, Wilhelm hopes to inspire parents of special needs children by showing that with patience and consistency, children of all abilities can shine in their own unique way.

“Some of them become our family friends and some become our big supporters.

“Our message to them is, ‘You are not alone. Let’s walk together hand in hand in the journey of creating a better and kinder world’.”