THE sight of Paul Manuel guiding his blind wife, Helen Davies, with a tether in the Penang Masters Run 2019 was indeed heartwarming and an inspiration to many other participants and spectators.
The couple embodied the ideal of true love and sportsmanship.
Just three months in Penang on a Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, they were taking part in their first-ever run in Penang together with over 350 participants at Jalan Padang Kota Lama in George Town on Aug 4.
Davies, 53, ran a commendable 56-minute race to finish first in the 45 to 54 age group. Beaming with pride was Manuel, 57, a retired aircraft engineer
Organised by Penang Masters Athletic Association (PMAA) at Jalan Padang Kota Lama on Aug 4, the Penang Masters Run 2019 comprised two events – 10km competitive and 5km fun run, catering to five age groups such as 13-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65 & above.
“The run was a bit difficult for me because it was very humid. But we are quickly adapting to the condition,” said Davies, who was born with a genetic disorder of the eyes, called retinitis pigmentosa, which causes loss of vision.
Her eyesight was fine as a child but it deteriorated over time.
“It got worse and when I was 24 years old, I was told I couldn’t drive anymore. It became very bad in the last three to five years. And three years ago, I was registered legally blind in England. Now, I can see very little, only six percent,” she said.
Davies is, however, not one to wallow in self-pity. She wants to live life with zest.
“I love life. In life, if you feel that you can cope with anything, you can cope with anything. I don’t want my eyesight problem to stop me from enjoying life.
“It’s incurable. And there is no point feeling depressed. So, I carry on doing what I love like outdoor running, hiking, swimming, travelling and riding horses,” added Davies, who hails from southwest England, near Bristol.
Asked why they chose Penang to stay, Davies said they have visited Penang many times before and love the place.
“We love the food, the people here are very friendly, most of them speak English and there is no other country in Asia that gives you a 10-year retirement visa which is renewable,” she explained.
Davies is looking forward to more runs in Penang. Her next run is the Youth Park Peace Run on Aug 18, followed by the Penang International Bridge Marathon on Nov 24.
“I’m looking for some assistance. I run faster than my husband. I go for marathon whereas he goes for half marathon. I’m looking for runners who are interested to act as a guide to train with me and run in the marathons,” said Davies, who set a personal best of 3 hours 56 mins in the Newport Marathon in Wales in May this year.
Davies can be reached via email at [email protected].
PMAA secretary P. Podimhatia was impressed with the enthusiastic spirit of the British couple and other participants.
“They were so passionate about the run which also saw them having a great fellowship as well,” he said.
“This is no ordinary race. Most of the seniors were serious runners and they could give the younger ones a run for their money.
“I would also like to thank the state for supporting the event.”
PMAA, which was formerly known as Penang Veterans Athletic Association, was formed in 1988.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee flagged off the race while Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi gave away the prizes.
Soon said the state government is always very supportive of events that encourage senior citizens to continue indulging in sports activities.
“We want them to continue maintaining a healthy and active life,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong