On June 21, just one day before his 67th birthday, Lim Shyang Guey completed an 86-day, 2,200-kilometer run around Peninsular Malaysia as part of his “Run for Gold” campaign to raise funds for cancer research. The journey, dedicated to the memory of his late wife, Goh Joo Lee, who passed away from gallbladder cancer earlier this year, aimed to support the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).

Starting in late March, Lim traversed all 11 states and one federal territory of Peninsular Malaysia, carrying a photo of his wife throughout the run. His efforts have raised over 775,000 ringgit (approximately HK$1.48 million), exceeding his initial target of 600,000 ringgit.

Reflecting on the experience, Lim said he often felt his wife’s presence during the grueling journey. While running through Johor, he noticed a shop bearing the same English and Chinese names as his wife, which he took as a meaningful sign. Despite some challenges, including a hit-and-run incident that injured a drone operator filming the run, Lim himself remained unharmed.

Lim’s original plan was to conclude the run at the Home of Hope in Penang, a facility that provides free accommodation and support for cancer patients and their families. However, the route was adjusted to finish at his alma mater, Penang Free School, to accommodate supporters who joined him for the last leg. Lim’s son and daughter ran the final stretch on Penang Island alongside him, with other family members joining parts of the run.

The campaign demanded a rigorous daily schedule, with Lim rising at 3 a.m. and beginning his runs by 4 a.m. Each week included three to four days of running, typically lasting from early morning until late morning or early afternoon. Within each state, NCSM helped organize community events aimed at raising awareness about cancer.

A particularly emotional moment for Lim was his visit to a pediatric oncology unit, where he became overwhelmed with emotion. He described the experience as reaffirmation of the campaign’s purpose—supporting children battling cancer and their families.

Lim’s campaign was inspired in part by British author Laurence Carter, who undertook a 6,930-kilometer walk around England and Wales in 2018 to honor his own late wife, who died from cervical cancer. Carter joined Lim for part of the run in May, and together they promoted HPV vaccination and cancer screening in rural towns along the route.

Lim expressed deep gratitude for the support from family, friends, and the broader community during the campaign. He described the journey as a way to stay connected to his late wife and as a meaningful tribute that has already made a significant impact on cancer research funding in Malaysia.