The 22nd annual Run For Hope event took place on 16 November Sunday, with a total of 11,000 participants including cancer patients, survivors, family and supporters at The Promontory @ Marina Bay. Comprising a 10km non-competitive run and a 3.5km family fun run/walk, the event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Dr Lam Pin Min, Minister of State for Health who flagged off the run.
Doctors and cancer survivors have also lent their support to become Run For Hope ambassadors. This includes 25-year old Ms Winnie Tan and 48-year old Mr Ezzy Wang, both of whom lost their legs to the disease. 49-year old Mr Kelvin Choo, who survived Stage 3 Colon Cancer was amongst the first few to sign up for this year’s run, hopes to encourage others that there is still hope for a cancer cure. Cancer support group members and Run For Hope ambassadors – The Pink Spartans, put on outrageous colourful pink outfits joined them at the race too.
An Artistic Touch For A Meaningful Cause
In addition, for the first time this year, popular Singapore fashion designer, Mae Pang, whose designs have made international presence having showcased at Singapore’s Audi Fashion Festival and Seoul Fashion Week, has lent her artistic touch with a specially-designed run T-shirt.
“I was inspired to work with the idea of every individual lending their support to the cause, hence the graphic of two thumbprints that form a heart. I hope every race participant will run with hope and their participation shows their approval and thumbs up for the cause,” she added.
Funds Raised To Aid NCC Research Fund
A total of more than $440,000 was collected at the race this year. Proceeds will go toward the NCC Research Fund, the NCCS’ fund providing seeding, bridging and advancement funds for an array of collaborative clinical research projects. The NCCS treats almost 70 per cent of the public sector oncology cases and sees more than 135,000 patient-visits per year. With more than 10,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year and the disease accounting for 30% of deaths in Singapore, the search for a cure remains a vital goal. Participants and supporters can still make online donations to the NCC Research Fund after the run.
