This coming Sunday, the 2019 edition of the popular London Marathon, will see superstar names such as Eliud Kipchoge and Mo Farah taking on the hallowed 42.195km distance.

And running in the same race as these marathon elites will also be Singaporean Raymond Fong, 50 – who is looking forward to doing so.

Said Raymond, “I am particularly looking forward to the great support from the public all along the entire race route, as for other World Marathon Majors.”

Raising funds for Leonard Cheshire

Raymond will be racing in London for a good cause, too; he is running to raise funds for Leonard Cheshire.

Leonard Cheshire is a UK based charity that supports individuals to live, learn and work as they choose, whatever their ability or disability.

Raymond, a public servant, said, “I have a high functioning autistic child who would benefit greatly if there is an organisation that can help her to live a normal life independently.”

He added, “So the Leonard Cheshire mission strikes deep into my heart in terms of helping the disabled to live a normal life.”

Recently begun training with Coached

And in terms of his marathon training, Raymond – who has recently begun training with a Singapore based heart-rate training programme Coached that was founded by retired Kiwi triathlete Ben Pulham – thinks that things have been going well.

Said Raymond, “I am doing great with training under Coached. I am able to burn fat more efficiently which in turn, will help me to maintain my energy for a longer duration.”

He added, “This will be my first Marathon using the Coached method, and at the same time, I have to ensure that I have sufficient salt intake during the race so that I won’t suffer cramp this time around. That will be a big test.”

He has hit the halfway mark of fundraising 

Raymond so far has hit the halfway mark of his fundraising, at 915 pounds. His target is 1,800 pounds.

Said Raymond, “I have been reaching out to friends and colleagues via WhatsApp and Facebook.”

He added, “But I feel that the charity, being in the UK, may not ring a bell to most people. But in fact they do run a disabled home and daycare in Singapore, too.”

Supporting the Leonard Cheshire cause

If you wish to support Leonard Cheshire and make a donation, click here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RaymondFong 

Photos: Raymond Fong