Two runners to race for charity in KL Standard Chartered Marathon

There are always some good souls who would go the extra mile to raise funds for an organisation that is close to their hearts, and in this instance, that is very literal for Adrian Yeo Jui Yang and Ng Shu Hui.

Both are runners who will participate in the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2022’s Run For A Reason programme in support of the event's official charity partners.

They both will attempt at running the full marathon of 42km to help raise money for their chosen charities.

In memory of his mum

As an avid runner, Yeo has taken part in many running events. This year alone, he has taken part in the TwinCity Marathon and PJ Half Marathon.

“In my opinion, the KLSCM is the most prestigious marathon event in Malaysia. But alas, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was postponed for two years,” Yeo told Malaysiakini.

In addition to that, the KLSCM would be the first marathon that he wanted to do to remember his mother, who succumbed to sarcoma cancer.

“It was a relapse after nearly 20 years of being cancer free. Running for KLSCM is my way of paying tribute to my mum and all cancer patients, survivors and those who have passed away,” shared Yeo, who will be running for the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM).

Before this, Yeo had taken part in many cancer awareness and fundraising walking or running events.

“My hashtag is always #beatcancer.”

Yeo hopes to collect RM1,000 for the NCSM from individuals donating to his profile at this year’s marathon.

Describing his plans for the KLSCM, Yeo said: “The plan is to continue training. There is no shortcut. A minimum of three runs a week with one tempo, one interval and one long run (minimum of 27km). And most importantly, listening to my body and making sure that I have enough rest,” he said.

When asked what he thinks his mother would say if she knew what he was doing, he said: “My mum would be proud and very happy for me. She has always believed and always encouraged me in whatever I do, no matter how stupid or crazy it was.”

Running for Hospis Malaysia

Thirty-one-year-old Ng, meanwhile, has chosen to run for Hospis Malaysia.

The community and primary care doctor completed her clinical attachment with Hospis Malaysia earlier this year.

She previously served as a practising clinician with the Health Ministry and managed patients with various life-limiting illnesses.

“I have always had uncertainties and doubts regarding the issue of how patients and their loved ones cope once they have been discharged from the hospital.

"During my time with Hospis Malaysia, I gained invaluable insight and clarity regarding how an organisation can provide exemplary community-based palliative care to patients in their homes, offering both patients and their loved ones clinical guidance and emotional support, and at the same time advocating for patient-centred care," she told Malaysiakini.

She is thankful to have been allowed to experience up close the amazing work that Hospis Malaysia does.

“I am even more blessed to have met the people who make Hospis Malaysia the guiding light for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

“So, I am driven to do my best to try to play a small part in supporting Hospis Malaysia to continue serving their patients and all the good work they strive to do,” added Ng.

Ng said it also helped her understand that life at all stages is valuable - and that no one should be left without support.

"I think it has not only helped me in my day-to-day work as a doctor but perhaps more importantly, as a person," she added.

Ng has previously run in the Angkor Wat Half Marathon in 2019 and helped raise funds for heart disease treatment at the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap.

For KLSCM, Ng said she does not have any personal goals she wants to accomplish. She does, however, wants to raise awareness that quality palliative care is everyone’s right, and hopefully, raise some funds to support Hospis Malaysia..

She hopes to collect as many donations as she can and urges the public to donate through the Standard Chartered runner’s profile or head directly to Hospis Malaysia’s official website.

“With every contribution you make, you are extending a helping hand to all the patients that Hospis Malaysia serves!” said Ng.

This year’s KLSCM will be held on Nov 12 and Nov 13. The charity partners this year are Dignity for Children Foundation; Futuremakers by Standard Chartered; Hospis Malaysia; Teach For Malaysia and NCSM.

Participants have to raise funds from individual donors (companies are not allowed) through a personalised fundraising profile page on this website. The minimum donation is RM30 per transaction via iPay88.

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