RUNNING FOR HOPE
Acharity run has been confirmed with all proceeds going towards helping fund the construction of a cancer therapy facility at Vachira Hospital, it has been confirmed.
Incorporating a 4-kilometre fun run and a 12km mini marathon, the event will take place on Sunday, Mar 24, at Bang Wad Dam in Kathu, with a 5am start time.
The event is being organised by the Nomklow Foundation, a charity organisation under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, who are targeting at least 2,000 participants.
It is hoped that the run can serve as a metaphorical “first candle to be lit” that can help kick-start fundraising efforts for the new radiation treatment facility, which has been targeted to be completed and open to the public by 2027.
Announcement of the plans came after Bangkok Dusit Medical Services confirmed last October it is to invest B300 million to open its Phuket Cancer Center by the third quarter of this year, marking what would be the first radiotherapy service in Phuket and the Andaman region.
The upcoming charity run was officially announced at a press conference on Jan 24 at the Limelight shopping mall in Phuket Town, overseen by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
Also in attendance were: Somchai Jirayus, Chairman of the Nomklow Foundation; Dr Weerasak Lorthongkam, Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital; Thaneth Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association; and Ornsiri Raktaengam, chairman of the race organising committee, in addition to associated executives and sponsors.
Mr Somchai revealed that, whereas financial grant support has been secured from the government for construction of the facility, the funds are still not enough and alternative options to raise funds were therefore required, hence the charity run being organised.
‘FAR FROM IDEAL’
Dr Weerasak explained that currently there are a large number of cancer patients in Phuket province yet those seeking treatment have to travel to Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Surat Thani, Songkhla or Bangkok.
This dynamic is far from ideal, he said, adding that it not only creates a financial burden on people but also requires them to request repeated leave from work, which often sees many people opting to decline ongoing treatment.
Governor Sophon echoed these sentiments, stating that the establishment of a cancer treatment centre in Phuket would save people time, money and much inconvenience, while also enabling people in the nearby Andaman area to avail its services.
Governor Sophon added that on behalf of Phuket Province he fully supports the project, which is aligned to the goal of developing quality living standards for the island’s residents.
Ms Ornsiri explained that the emphasis of the event is on it being a charity initiative and not a competition, adding she hoped it could serve to encourage further fundraising activities while simultaneously raising cancer awareness.
Registration fees for each run are as follows: fun run option 1, including only a running shirt and bib, at B199; fun run option 2, including a running shirt, bib and commemorative medal, at B299; the mini marathon, including running shirt, bib and commemorative medal, at B399.
Additionally, there is a VIP option for B9,999 where participants will receive a running shirt, bib, a commemorative medal, a customised cloth bag and a commemorative shirt with customised collar design. This option is geared more so to allow people to pledge larger donations to the cause, officials said.
Registration is now open and can be done at https:// soft.events/run/first-phuketcancer-center-2024.
Once registered, participants can collect their running shirt and bib on Mar 22-23 between 10am and 6pm at the Limelight shopping mall in Phuket Town. For further information or to learn how to donate to the Nomklow Foundation call 076-361-234 ext 6530.