GEORGE TOWN: After eighty-six days, retired civil engineer Lim Shyang Guey crossed the finish line, completing an almost 2,400km run around Peninsular Malaysia in support of children battling cancer.
The 66-year-old returned to Penang, across the finish line at 5pm on Sunday (June 21) at his alma mater, Penang Free School, where he was welcomed by hundreds of supporters, family members, fellow runners and well-wishers.
Lim began his three-month journey on March 28 at the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) in Lebuh Rose.
On the final day, Lim started a 81.3km route around Penang Island at 1am. He passed through Teluk Bahang, Balik Pulau, Sungai Rusa, Batu Maung, Jelutong, and George Town before ending his run at the Penang Free School.
“The best part was seeing people join me and support the cause wherever I went.
"That was wonderful,” Lim told The Star.
Lim ultimately completed a distance of 2,390 km, surpassing his initial target of 2,200 km due to detours.
He recalled a particularly memorable detour in Pekan Nenas, Johor.
"Along the way, I came across a signboard bearing the words 'Joo Lee' in English, the name of my late wife, and the Chinese characters were also the same.
“Seeing her name gave me the strength to complete the 46km run that day,” he said.
Lim’s late wife, homemaker Goh Joo Lee, died of gallbladder cancer in 2024 at the age of 63.
The couple had hoped to travel around Peninsular Malaysia on foot together.
After her passing, Lim resolved to complete the journey alone and turned it into a nationwide campaign to help children fighting cancer.
The run was organised to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer through NCSM.
Funds raised will be channelled to Home of Hope, a facility that provides accommodation and support for children undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers.
