ID :
28274
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 10:21
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/28274
The shortlink copeid
MALAYSIAN CYCLIST ON CHARITY DRIVE LEFT BANGKOK FOR CAMBODIA
By D.Arul Rajoo
BANGKOK, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Max Chong, who is on a five-country cycling expedition to create awareness and raise funds for cancer patients, has completed 1,660km of his four-month journey, with strong encouragement from the local folk and support for joint efforts with other countries.
Chong, 39, said he was glad that there were less problems and challenges
throughout his journey from Malaysia's northern city of Ipoh, where he was
flagged-off on Oct 18, until his arrival in the Thai capital Sunday.
"It was easier than expected as I was expecting some dangerous situation
along the way...but there were some problems like tyre puncture. But the people
whom I met along the way have been very helpful and generous," he said before
continuing on his journey to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam from the Malaysian
embassy here Sunday.
Chong said he hoped to complete his 82-day expedition, covering 4,320km, in
Hanoi on Jan 4 next year, with the proceeds going to the National Cancer Council
(Makna).
"I wrote in Thai about my expedition on a donation box and this attracted
car drivers, motorcyclists and local people. Many donated while hotels and guest
houses along the route gave discounts to me," said Chong, who was hosted by the
Perwakilan Bangkok, an association comprising embassy staff and their family
members.
Chong said he was now on a solo journey as planned as Chuah Yew Lay, 50, a
former national cyclist who lost his right leg in a car accident some 20
years ago, had left for home after accompanying him up to Lang Suan.
From Bangkok, he will cycle to Prachin Buri and Aranyaprathet before
crossing into Cambodia.
Chong said there was a lot of enthuasism from the Thai volunteers who are
helping cancer patients to link up with their Malaysian counterparts.
"The Thais also have cancer awareness programmes and associations. They are
keen to work together with Makna and share their experiences with us," said
Chong, who himself had painful experiences of seeing relatives and friends
dying of cancer.
Chong said Makna president Mohd Farid Ariffin would wait for him in Hanoi
where Makna was planning joint research projects on cancer with the National
Cancer Institute of Vietnam besides expansion of its services to Vietnam,
Cambodia and Laos.
BANGKOK, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Max Chong, who is on a five-country cycling expedition to create awareness and raise funds for cancer patients, has completed 1,660km of his four-month journey, with strong encouragement from the local folk and support for joint efforts with other countries.
Chong, 39, said he was glad that there were less problems and challenges
throughout his journey from Malaysia's northern city of Ipoh, where he was
flagged-off on Oct 18, until his arrival in the Thai capital Sunday.
"It was easier than expected as I was expecting some dangerous situation
along the way...but there were some problems like tyre puncture. But the people
whom I met along the way have been very helpful and generous," he said before
continuing on his journey to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam from the Malaysian
embassy here Sunday.
Chong said he hoped to complete his 82-day expedition, covering 4,320km, in
Hanoi on Jan 4 next year, with the proceeds going to the National Cancer Council
(Makna).
"I wrote in Thai about my expedition on a donation box and this attracted
car drivers, motorcyclists and local people. Many donated while hotels and guest
houses along the route gave discounts to me," said Chong, who was hosted by the
Perwakilan Bangkok, an association comprising embassy staff and their family
members.
Chong said he was now on a solo journey as planned as Chuah Yew Lay, 50, a
former national cyclist who lost his right leg in a car accident some 20
years ago, had left for home after accompanying him up to Lang Suan.
From Bangkok, he will cycle to Prachin Buri and Aranyaprathet before
crossing into Cambodia.
Chong said there was a lot of enthuasism from the Thai volunteers who are
helping cancer patients to link up with their Malaysian counterparts.
"The Thais also have cancer awareness programmes and associations. They are
keen to work together with Makna and share their experiences with us," said
Chong, who himself had painful experiences of seeing relatives and friends
dying of cancer.
Chong said Makna president Mohd Farid Ariffin would wait for him in Hanoi
where Makna was planning joint research projects on cancer with the National
Cancer Institute of Vietnam besides expansion of its services to Vietnam,
Cambodia and Laos.
