01 Jan 2011
Instead of roaring F1 cars tearing around Singapore’s Grand Prix route, some 1,000 cyclists will be pedalling a 4km loop of the street circuit on March 6 to celebrate life after cancer.
The event, Cycle of Hope, aims to heighten awareness of cancer and how it affects not just patients, but also their families and friends. “A cancer patient’s journey is like a cycle ride,” said Professor London Lucien Ooi, Chairman, Division of Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, and Advisor, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS).
“Their journey has ups and downs, easy and difficult parts, but there is always a goal to reach. The bicycle, in a way, represents the patient’s supporters – the healthcare providers, caregivers and family – who carry and accompany the cyclist through it all, however tough the journey may be.”
Besides awareness, participants are encouraged to get sponsorship from friends and family, which will go towards the National Cancer Centre Research Fund. This fund is used to support research projects as well as families of cancer patients,by paying tuition fees for the patients’ children, for example.
Now in its second year, Cycle of Hope was the brain child of Prof Ooi, and is part of OCBC Cycle Singapore, thanks to the generous support of OCBC and Spectrum Worldwide, the organisers of the event.
Cycle of Hope gathers cancer survivors and their supporters for an event which shows cancer survivors can live life to the full. Last year, some 500 participants showed their support.
This year, organisers are hoping to double that number.
“I was there last year with colleagues, supporters and friends from NCCS. The Pink Paddlers were also out in their best shocking-pink outfits, and we hope to see them and many more again this year,” said Prof Ooi.
Cycle of Hope is one of many activities organised by NCCS to raise funds and awareness. In November 2010, some 7,000 people took part in the Run for Hope, raising more than $320,000 for the National Cancer Centre Research Fund.
Click here for jpeg format
« Back to previous
page
back to top