KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural “Ride for Palliative Care” will see people coming together to “cycle” to raise awareness of palliative care at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on Nov 30.
Organised by Hasmah Ibrahim, a patient receiving palliative care and her husband, Shaharuddin Ja’afar under the auspices of Hospis Malaysia, the couple want to spread awareness across the nation of the benefits of quality palliative care in light of the support they have received from the palliative care team at Hospis Malaysia for two years.
Palliative care is a medical sub-specialty for people with serious illnesses.
Its multi-disciplinary approach focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness with the goal being to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Shaharuddin’s cycling credentials which include being President of the Malaysian Masters Cycling Association and an ex–Olympian and national cyclist in the 1960s and the 1970s, were the reasons the couple picked the sport to champion their cause.
Shaharuddin, who won the first Malaysian Cycling Gold Medal in the 1965 SEAP Games (now known as the SEA Games) in Kuala Lumpur, also maintains a continued involvement in the cycling circuit in Malaysia through his son, Suhaimi, who runs Race Masters Resources, which is a national cycling event company.
Before being diagnosed with lymphoma three years ago, Hasmah managed an interstate contractual cleaning business, while assisting her husband in organising cycling events.
“We had the idea to organise an awareness cycling event to benefit other patients.
“We were delighted when Hospis Malaysia wanted to co-organise the event with us,” Hasmah said.
“My wife has shown me that as long as you can breathe and move, you can give back to the community,” Shaharuddin said.
“We plan to kick-off the race with Hasmah and myself pedaling the first bicycle ourselves.
“Insya Allah, it will come true,” he said.
“We hope to get support from various communities and celebrities to make the event a memorable one,” Hasmah said.
The activities for the day also included a lucky draw.
Hasmah and Shaharuddin are speaking to sponsors for prizes and the opportunity to ride with local celebrities.
The participation fee is RM30 per person with all proceeds going towards Hospis Malaysia. Children aged below 12 ride for free.
Those who are interested can visit www.rideforpalliativecare. blogspot. com for details.