KUCHING (July 5): After completing an extraordinary 2,200 kilometres (km) run across Peninsular Malaysia, 67-year-old solo runner Lim Shyang Guey from Penang travelled to Kuching to support Move For Gold 2026 as the ambassador for its Golden Loop 5km Charity Run, helping raise awareness and funds for children battling cancer.
Lim, also known as SG Lim, covered every state in Peninsular Malaysia and the federal territory through the nationwide ‘Run for Gold’ from March 28 to June 21, raising about RM800,000 for the National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s (NCSM) vital children’s programmes.
Lim, who is also the founder of ‘Run for Gold’, is now aiming to raise RM1 million after extending the donation drive until next month. The mission was also dedicated to the memory of his late wife Goh Joo Lee, who passed away from gallbladder cancer in August 2024.
“The campaign’s name, ‘Run for Gold’ was inspired by the gold ribbon, the international symbol of childhood cancer awareness. A child doesn’t know what is happening to them, while their parents feel so helpless. I understand that feeling because I was a caregiver of my late wife who passed away because of cancer.
“This is why I am doing this for the children. As adults caring for another adult, we understand cancer. But children don’t understand what is happening to them and their parents often feel hopeless.
“The survival rate for childhood cancer is between 85 and 95 per cent in countries like Australia and New Zealand. In Malaysia, although there are no official statistics, it is estimated to be between 45 and 55 per cent.
“It is not because treatment is unavailable. The treatments are there. Unfortunately, in Sarawak, many families — especially those from rural areas — cannot afford the accommodation, transportation and daily living expenses needed while seeking treatment in the bigger cities.
“That is why organisations like Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) and the NCSM are so important. They help children, especially those from B40 families, get access to treatment. Children have a good chance of surviving if they receive the treatment they need,” he told The Borneo Post on Sunday before the run flag-off ceremony.
Lim, also known as SG Lim, covered every state in Peninsular Malaysia and the federal territory through the nationwide ‘Run for Gold’ from March 28 to June 21, raising about RM800,000 for the National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s (NCSM) vital children’s programmes.
Lim, who is also the founder of ‘Run for Gold’, is now aiming to raise RM1 million after extending the donation drive until next month. The mission was also dedicated to the memory of his late wife Goh Joo Lee, who passed away from gallbladder cancer in August 2024.
“The campaign’s name, ‘Run for Gold’ was inspired by the gold ribbon, the international symbol of childhood cancer awareness. A child doesn’t know what is happening to them, while their parents feel so helpless. I understand that feeling because I was a caregiver of my late wife who passed away because of cancer.
“This is why I am doing this for the children. As adults caring for another adult, we understand cancer. But children don’t understand what is happening to them and their parents often feel hopeless.
“The survival rate for childhood cancer is between 85 and 95 per cent in countries like Australia and New Zealand. In Malaysia, although there are no official statistics, it is estimated to be between 45 and 55 per cent.
“It is not because treatment is unavailable. The treatments are there. Unfortunately, in Sarawak, many families — especially those from rural areas — cannot afford the accommodation, transportation and daily living expenses needed while seeking treatment in the bigger cities.
“That is why organisations like Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) and the NCSM are so important. They help children, especially those from B40 families, get access to treatment. Children have a good chance of surviving if they receive the treatment they need,” he told The Borneo Post on Sunday before the run flag-off ceremony.
To prepare for his 2,200km challenge, Lim said he trained by running between 35km and 40km every day before taking a day’s rest and repeating the routine throughout the three-month campaign.
Also participating in the charity run was 30-year-old holistic nutrition coach Natalie Loo from Kuala Lumpur, who was invited as one of the speakers for the Move for Gold wellness programme. She delivered a talk titled Gut Health & Hormonal Balance – Building Your Optimal Health on Sunday afternoon.
She said she was honoured to travel to Kuching to support the fundraising initiative while sharing knowledge on health and wellness.
“I enjoy running and wanted to contribute to this movement. It is very meaningful because they are doing something for children. Children don’t have the knowledge to understand health issues, so adults have the responsibility to protect and support them. This fundraising event ensures that children have people and organisations to turn to whenever they need help,” she said.
Loo believes awareness of childhood cancer in Malaysia remains relatively low and should be strengthened.
“I don’t think awareness is widespread enough for parents to understand how childhood cancer can impact children. Events like this are doing a very good job in spreading awareness, not just in Malaysia but throughout the world,” she added.
Also participating in the charity run was 30-year-old holistic nutrition coach Natalie Loo from Kuala Lumpur, who was invited as one of the speakers for the Move for Gold wellness programme. She delivered a talk titled Gut Health & Hormonal Balance – Building Your Optimal Health on Sunday afternoon.
She said she was honoured to travel to Kuching to support the fundraising initiative while sharing knowledge on health and wellness.
“I enjoy running and wanted to contribute to this movement. It is very meaningful because they are doing something for children. Children don’t have the knowledge to understand health issues, so adults have the responsibility to protect and support them. This fundraising event ensures that children have people and organisations to turn to whenever they need help,” she said.
Loo believes awareness of childhood cancer in Malaysia remains relatively low and should be strengthened.
“I don’t think awareness is widespread enough for parents to understand how childhood cancer can impact children. Events like this are doing a very good job in spreading awareness, not just in Malaysia but throughout the world,” she added.
She also encouraged parents to nurture healthy habits from a young age.
“It is important for parents to understand what their children need. Always start young with healthy living,” she said.
Meanwhile, 75-year-old retiree Samsudin Morshidi from Kuching joined the charity run with his family in support of his one-year-old grandson, Marteen Arasy, who was diagnosed with a tumour at just nine months old.
“We joined because we are family. We want him to know that he is not alone in this journey,” he said.
He described the determination shown by cancer patients and their families as an inspiration and urged them to continue fighting.
“Even though we may look healthy on the outside, we never know what is happening inside our bodies. Keep fighting for everyone battling cancer, especially my grandson. Alhamdulillah, he is still surviving. I also hope everyone will practise a healthy and active lifestyle,” he added.
“It is important for parents to understand what their children need. Always start young with healthy living,” she said.
Meanwhile, 75-year-old retiree Samsudin Morshidi from Kuching joined the charity run with his family in support of his one-year-old grandson, Marteen Arasy, who was diagnosed with a tumour at just nine months old.
“We joined because we are family. We want him to know that he is not alone in this journey,” he said.
He described the determination shown by cancer patients and their families as an inspiration and urged them to continue fighting.
“Even though we may look healthy on the outside, we never know what is happening inside our bodies. Keep fighting for everyone battling cancer, especially my grandson. Alhamdulillah, he is still surviving. I also hope everyone will practise a healthy and active lifestyle,” he added.
On Sunday, about 510 participants took part in the charity run, which started from Pullman Kuching, symbolising a shared mission to bring hope, support and brighter days to children and families affected by childhood cancer.
The route passed through Padang Merdeka, Reservoir Park, Jalan Ban Hock and Jalan Song Thian Cheok before returning to the hotel.
The charity run, held as a fundraising programme to mark the 25th anniversary of SCCS, was flag-off by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at 6.45am.
Also present were the event title sponsor Mubadala Energy country president Jamal AlBlooshi, Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo, SCCS president Mary Kiu Ai Ling, organiser DEFYLAB Fitness and Wellness chief executive officer Fiona Marcus Raja, and Interhill Group chief operating officer, hospitality division Eric Tan.
The route passed through Padang Merdeka, Reservoir Park, Jalan Ban Hock and Jalan Song Thian Cheok before returning to the hotel.
The charity run, held as a fundraising programme to mark the 25th anniversary of SCCS, was flag-off by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at 6.45am.
Also present were the event title sponsor Mubadala Energy country president Jamal AlBlooshi, Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo, SCCS president Mary Kiu Ai Ling, organiser DEFYLAB Fitness and Wellness chief executive officer Fiona Marcus Raja, and Interhill Group chief operating officer, hospitality division Eric Tan.
