19 October 2008
Tour to spread message on cancer

Max Chong (right) and Chuah Yew Lay preparing to start their expedition in Ipoh yesterday.

IPOH: After losing a friend to cancer and watching a family member's battle with it, Max Chong decided to cycle across five Southeast Asian countries to create awareness of the disease.

Chong, 39, also hopes to help raise funds for the National Cancer Council (Makna) through his efforts.

Yesterday, he started his 4,326km tour, which will take him from here to Hanoi and back.

Makna hopes to raise RM100 for every kilometre Chong cycles

"Some people think I'm crazy to quit my job for this cycling tour. But I am grateful that my wife and children are very supportive."

Chong, who will travel across Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, is accompanied by 50-year-old Chuah Yew Lay, who lost part of his right leg in an accident 20 years ago.

Chuah, however, will only cycle until Bangkok.

Makna manager Vemanna Appannah said funds raised would be used to treat poor cancer patients.

He said Chong had approached Makna last month about using his tour to raise funds.

Log on to http://cancercycle.wordpress.com/ to follow Chong's journey.

Source by:  The New Straits Times, 19 October, 2008