Wednesday October 15, 2008
Duo to go on 82-day cycling trip
Story and photos SALINA KHALID
TWO Malaysian cyclists will travel the distance to raise funds for cancer patients.
Max Chong, 39, and Chuah Yew Lay, 50, will cover five countries in their effort to show support for the fight against the ailment.
Both will be flagged off from Ipoh on Saturday but Chong will cycle solo from Bangkok to the final destination in Hanoi, Vietnam.
No hindrance: Chong (right) showing Chuah’s prosthetic leg to Barrachi (second from right) and Vemanna. Chong is expected to reach Hanoi on Jan 4 next year. The 82-day expedition will cover more than 4,000 km from Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos to Vietnam.
Asked about the mission, Chong admitted that it was also part of his lifelong ambition to go on such an expedition and realised that he could do a bit of charity at the same time.
“I believe cycling is the easiest way to reach out to people. It will enable me to meet more people along the way and at the same time allow me to build my own self confidence,” said the father of two.
Having seen the suffering of close friends and family members who were diagnosed with the ailment made Chong more determined to embark on the expedition.
“I have several family members and close friends who have been diagnosed with cancer. Some have recovered but others are still suffering.
Nothing's gonna stop us: Chong (left) and Chuah will cover five countries in their cycling expedition. “Life changed tremendously for them and their family members and I want to do something for all of them,” said Chong.
He also hopes to raise about RM400,000 from the expedition and channel the proceeds to the National Cancer Council (Makna) to benefit cancer patients.
Meanwhile, Chuah, a former national cyclist himself, believes that age and his disability would not hamper him from achieving the feat.
Chuah lost his right leg due to a car accident some 20 years ago.
“Nothing stops me from doing what I love best - cycling. If I can do it with my prosthetic leg, so can others,” he said.
Chuah had also served as Chong’s trainer in the past eight months.
With his vast experience, Chuah has provided Chong with the mental strength and survival skills needed for him to reach his destination.
When they arrive in Bangkok, Makna will assist them in talking to the local media about their efforts and to raise funds there.
“Makna president Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin will wait for Chong in Vietnam together with representatives of the National Cancer Institute of Vietnam.
“The event will also mark the beginning of collaboration between Makna and NCI of Vietnam for joint research projects on cancer,” said Makna manager Vemanna Appannah, during the press conference held at Makna office in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Also present at the event was Matheus Trevizoli Barrachi of Makna International Division.
Barrachi said Makna was planning to expand its services to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The research collaboration is part of the initial initiative towards starting new branches outside of Malaysia.
The public can also check the progress of both cyclists at www.cancercycle.wordpress.com or www.makna.org.my.
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