THE spirit of generosity of Malaysians was once again at the forefront as over 6,000 participants ran, walked, skated and cycled through the lush landscape at Taman Tasik Perdana (Lake Gardens), in aid of cancer research in Malaysia.

The Terry Fox Run Kuala Lumpur 2009, one of the world’s largest, single-day fund-raising events for cancer research, brought together Malaysians in support of a common cause ‑ finding a cure for cancer.

Big turnout: Terry Fox Run 2009 participants during the run.

“Many of us here today have been touched in some way by cancer and the run honours the courage and determination of those who are fighting the disease. This is our opportunity to help them by funding cancer research,” said organising committee chairman Jo Tan.

More than 10,000 exclusive Terry Fox Run T-shirts were sold before and during the run, with a total of over RM250,000 collected.

The funds raised were channelled to the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF), Malaysia. Many participants, individuals and corporations, made cash donations to support cancer research in the country.

The Terry Fox Run, named after the young man who inspired the event, has been held in KL for the last 19 years. The Terry Fox Run KL has, since 2001, raised more than RM1.2mil, with last year’s contribution totalling RM210,342.85. Globally, since 1981, the run has raised more than RM1.3bil, and attracts over two million runners each year.

Terry Fox was 18 years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer. His right leg was amputated above the knee. While in hospital, Terry was so moved by the suffering of cancer patients, especially the children, that he resolved to run across Canada (a distance of 8,500km) to raise money for cancer research. He called his journey the “Marathon of Hope”.

He ran a marathon (42km) a day for 143 consecutive days - a total distance of 5,373km. Terry was forced to abandon his run as the cancer spread to his lungs and died at the age of 21. Before he died, he knew that a fund-raising event would be held each year, with the same objectives as the Marathon of Hope - to help find a cure for cancer.

Full force: Tan (centre) with Yasmin Yusuff (left) and Terry Watkins.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the participants, volunteers and donors who contributed in so many different ways to the overwhelming success of the run.

“A big thank you to current donors who have been supporting the run all these years, and a warm welcome to donors who have joined the cause this year.

“We hope to see an even bigger run in 2010.” said Tan.

For further information, visit the Terry Fox Run International website at www.terryfoxrun.org or email the Terry Fox Run 2009 Kuala Lumpur organising committee at organizer@terryfoxrunkl.org

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