Cycling around the world to fight cancer

Lee (left) with Wu.

PETALING JAYA: First David Wu walked from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan, then he cycled from Alor Setar, Kedah, to China. Now, this 50-year-old businessman is cycling across the seven wonders of the world for a noble mission. 

Known as the “Seven Wunders”, Wu and his cycling partner Ving Lee are aiming to raise RM5mil to support underprivileged cancer-stricken children. 
 
According to Wu, the duo had begun their journey on Merdeka Day (Aug 31) this year, and are set to return to Malaysia in two years time. 
 
“In all honesty, we can’t be too sure ourselves but I think a couple of years, give or take, sounds about right. With any luck, we should return home some time late in 2019. Hopefully.” 

The “Seven Wunders” is an attempt to reach the Seven Modern Wonders of the world by bicycle, namely the Taj Mahal (India), Petra (Jordan), The Colosseum (Italy), Christ The Redeemer (Brazil), Machu Picchu (Peru), Chichen Itza (Mexico) and The Great Wall of China. 

“A visit to the Great Pyramids in Egypt is also scheduled as a bonus destination,” Wu added. 

At the time of contact, Wu and Lee was at Lucknow, the capital of northern Uttar Pradesh state in India. 
 
“The distance journeyed so far in getting here from Kuala Lumpur would be about 6,000km. 
 
“We have been on the road for over 100 days now and we expect to cover about 40,000km across some 40 countries for the entire journey.”

Wu said that the duo are about 330km away from reaching their first wonder of the world, Taj Mahal, India. They are set to arrive at India’s iconic monument of love by Christmas (Dec 25). 

When asked on what inspired him to cycle across the world to raise funds, Wu quipped, that it was possibly motivated by “mid-life” crisis. 
 
“On a more serious note, I think most people dream of doing something totally outrageous at least once in their lifetime and I’m no different.” 

According to Wu, the reason why he had chosen to raise money for cancer, was because his sister had passed away from cancer three years ago. 

“Ultimately, I chose childhood cancer as our cause and set out to form a plan of action. Why childhood cancer? Well, there can’t be that many more compelling charities to give to and all we ask of the public is one ringgit each.”

At present, Wu said the “Seven Wunders” have successfully raised over RM50,000. 

Members of the public can follow their journey through their Facebook page and Instagram account, both called “SevenWunders”, and can also donate RM1 towards their noble cause. 
 
Donations can be made to The National Cancer Society of Malaysia through its Public Bank account number 3988587622 ref. Ride For Gold. 
 
Those who wish to donate online can also do so at https://www.peoplegiving.org/campaign.aspx?id=24e1fb0a-ae73-47e7-81b8-6aacec87837d
 
“All monies raised by this initiative will be channeled solely and exclusively towards the National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s Children’s Home Of Hope, which is the facility that supports the care of underprivileged young patients from outside Kuala Lumpur as well as their caregivers during their stay in the city for treatment,” Wu added.