IT WAS a homecoming filled with emotion, purpose and inspiration as former Penang Free School student Lim Shyang Guey, better known as SG Lim, completed his remarkable 2,200km charity run across Peninsular Malaysia at his alma mater today.
The 66-year-old runner crossed the finish line at Penang Free School (PFS), bringing to a close a journey that spanned 91 days and touched countless lives along the way.
More than just a test of endurance, the “Run for Gold” initiative was undertaken to raise awareness and funds for children battling cancer, with proceeds channelled to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM).
What made the occasion especially meaningful was the fact that SG Lim completed the final leg of his lifetime journey at the very institution where his own life journey began.
Welcoming him home was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who described the achievement as one that had inspired Malaysians across the country.
“A short while ago, many of us stood outside and watched SG Lim complete the final stretch of his journey into Penang Free School.
“As I watched him run through the gates of his alma mater, I was reminded of Forrest Gump. For months, he kept moving forward, one step after another, across towns, cities, and states, driven by a cause greater than himself.
“What makes today even more meaningful is that this journey ends where another journey began.
“SG Lim returns to Penang Free School not only as a proud Old Frees but also as someone who has inspired thousands of Malaysians through his determination, resilience, and commitment,” Chow said.
The Chief Minister said the occasion belonged to SG Lim and the sacrifices he had made throughout months of preparation and thousands of kilometres on the road.
“This is SG Lim’s moment.
“A moment to honor the sacrifices he made over months of preparation and thousands of kilometers on the road.
“A moment to recognise the discipline and perseverance required to complete such an extraordinary challenge.
“And above all, a moment to appreciate the cause he chose to champion.
“Every kilometer he ran carried a message of hope for children battling cancer and for the families who support them through some of life’s most difficult moments,” he said.
Chow also commended NCSM, particularly its Homes of Hope initiative, and announced that the Penang government would contribute RM50,000 to support the noble cause.
The campaign initially set out to raise RM600,000 in conjunction with NCSM’s 60th anniversary. However, as of late evening on June 21, donations had already surpassed RM700,000.
Among the contributors were SG Lim’s friends from Melbourne and Perth (RM8,500), OFA Penang (RM2,200), an anonymous donor (RM41,516), SG Lim’s schoolmates from the Class of 1975/77 (RM62,200), Malaysia Mega Group (RM60,000), and Nozomi Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (RM100,000).
Despite surpassing the target, SG Lim has requested NCSM to continue accepting donations until August, which would have been the birthday month of his late wife.
The run was deeply personal for SG Lim, who dedicated the journey to the memory of his wife, Joo Lee, who passed away from cancer in August 2024 at the age of 63.
“My wife Joo Lee and I had planned to someday travel on foot around Peninsula Malaysia.
“Unfortunately, we never did get to share this adventure together as she passed away in August 2024 from cancer at age 63.
“I decided to complete this journey by running solo, this time with a renewed purpose: to promote cancer awareness and raise funds for children with cancer,” he shared.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by young cancer patients, SG Lim said he willingly embraced hardship for a greater purpose.
“I chose to suffer voluntarily for children with cancer who did not choose to be diagnosed with it,” he said.
NCSM managing director Prof Dr M. Murallitharan described the achievement as extraordinary, recalling how the initiative began as a modest fundraising idea before evolving into a nationwide movement.
“We put an impossible target.
“We said, let’s raise RM600,000 in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the National Cancer Society Malaysia.
“This is amazing,” he said.
Murallitharan noted that the funds raised would support the treatment of paediatric cancer patients receiving care at Health Ministry hospitals nationwide.
He also paid tribute to everyone who supported the journey, from runners and volunteers to donors and organisers.
“This is a national effort, this is a national story, and we are very happy that nationally this is a Malaysian achievement,” he said.
Meanwhile, Old Frees’ Association (OFA) Selangor and Kuala Lumpur president Ivan Ooi, described SG Lim as a symbol of courage, perseverance and compassion.
“Run for Gold is not just about running.
“It is about struggle, and not just about distance, but meaning, and not just about one runner, but about thousands of hearts being moved to care, to support and to give hope to those going through the most difficult moments of their lives,” he said.
Ooi said the homecoming at Penang Free School carried special significance as it represented the return of a son to the institution that helped shape his values and character.
“Today, we are not only welcoming a runner.
“We are welcoming SG Lim as a symbol of courage, a symbol of perseverance, and a symbol of love from one human being to another,” he said.
In recognition of his contributions and unwavering spirit, Ooi presented SG Lim with a Lifetime Membership of the Old Frees’ Association.
As cheers echoed across the historic school grounds and supporters gathered to celebrate the achievement, the moment was about more than completing 2,200km.
It was a story of love enduring beyond loss, of one man turning grief into purpose, and of a journey that began and ended at home while bringing hope to countless children and families across Malaysia.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siew Chia En