A total of 3,829 childhood cancer cases involving children and adolescents aged between zero and 19 were recorded during the five-year period.
GEORGE TOWN: Cancer awareness advocate and veteran runner Lim Shyang Guey, better known as SG Lim, has completed a remarkable 2,200km run across Peninsular Malaysia, raising more than RM715,000 to support children battling cancer and surpassing the campaign’s original target.
The 66-year-old Penangite concluded his “Run For Gold” journey with a closing ceremony at Penang Free School, officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The feat came a day before his 67th birthday on June 22.
READ MORE: Younger Malaysians driving rise in top cancers
Lim had set off from the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM)-MBPP Home of Hope at Rose Avenue in Penang on March 28, traversing all 11 states and Federal Territories in Peninsular Malaysia before returning to his home state.
Over nearly three months, he ran between 25km and 35km daily, interspersed with scheduled rest days.
Along the way, he stayed mainly in homestays, shared accommodation and with local hosts, allowing him to engage with communities and hear first-hand accounts from individuals and families affected by cancer.
The run also served as the Torch Relay component of Relay for Life Malaysia 2026, carrying a message of hope and solidarity throughout the country.
Childhood cancer remains a major health challenge in Malaysia. According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry 2012-2016, a total of 3,829 childhood cancer cases involving children and adolescents aged between zero and 19 were recorded during the five-year period.
For Lim, the journey held special significance as it fulfilled a dream he once shared with his late wife, Joo Lee, who died of cancer in August 2024 at the age of 63. The couple had hoped to travel around Peninsular Malaysia on foot together.
“This journey was driven by love, remembrance and the desire to make a difference. My wife and I once dreamed of travelling around Peninsular Malaysia on foot. After losing her to cancer, I felt compelled to complete this journey, not just for us but for the children who are bravely fighting cancer every day. Crossing the line here in Penang, where it all began, is the most meaningful moment of my life,” he said.
National Cancer Society of Malaysia managing director Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy described Lim’s accomplishment as both physically and emotionally monumental.
“We are extremely proud of SG Lim for successfully completing this journey, which has brought communities together across the nation.
“The incredible generosity shown by the public will directly strengthen our ability to support young patients and their families when they need it most,” he said.
Run For Gold initially aimed to raise RM600,000 for childhood cancer awareness and support services. To date, the campaign has collected RM715,486.17 through public donations and corporate contributions.
The funds will be channelled to NCSM’s childhood cancer initiatives, including the Children’s Home of Hope, psychosocial care and survivorship programmes in Penang, Perak and Kuala Lumpur.
The Home of Hope provides temporary accommodation for children undergoing treatment and their families, helping to ease the burden of travel and lodging while ensuring uninterrupted access to care.
Penang holds particular significance for the initiative, as the state was both the starting and finishing point of the run and is home to the NCSM Children’s Home of Hope, which supports families from across northern Malaysia.
The nationwide campaign received support from several corporate partners and sponsors, including IHH Healthcare, MCIS Life, Kobay Technology Berhad, ASICS, Exabytes, Garmin, Aurelius Alor Setar, Kuantan and Nilai, and Salam Hospital Terengganu.
Named after the Gold Ribbon, the universal symbol of childhood cancer awareness, Run For Gold was inspired by the courage, strength and resilience displayed by young cancer patients and their families.
Members of the public wishing to contribute to the cause can still do so through the campaign’s website.
