GEORGE TOWN: A journey of a 1,000 steps begins with the first, as they say, and for Lim Shyang Guey, it will take true grit to complete the mission.
The retired civil engineer will trot 2,200km across the peninsula over a three-month journey to raise funds for childhood cancer.
Starting off from the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) premises in Lebuhraya Rose at 9.30am, he plans to run up to 35km daily four days in a row, before taking a rest day.
He will cut across mainland Penang, Kedah and Perlis in the first two weeks before crossing the Titiwangsa mountain range to the east coast, head south to Johor and plod northwards to Penang by June 22, on his 67th birthday.
The widower’s Run For Gold project targets to raise RM600,000 for NCSM’s childhood cancer support services. So far, RM81,000 has been raised.
Funds will go to Home of Hope, which houses children undergoing treatment and their caregivers.
Lim said he spent nine months preparing for the challenge and thanked supporters, including friends and corporate sponsors.
“This journey is driven by love and remembrance. My wife and I dreamed of travelling around Peninsular Malaysia on foot.
“After losing her to cancer two years ago, I felt compelled to complete this journey, not just for us but for children fighting cancer.”
NCSM president Datuk Dr Saunthari Somasundaram said the run would help raise awareness for children with cancer.
Lim’s journey can be tracked on zerosixzero.com/sglim/run-for-gold while donations can be made via www.runforgold.my/support-the-cause/.
