From dusk to dawn, alumni walk in support of cancer patients

Text: Bernard Tung and Jennifer Su

For the first time, the NTU Gobi Team Alumni Association brought a group of alumni together to participate in this year’s “Relay For Life”, a global movement that brings communities together in the fight against cancer.

In Singapore, the event was organised by the Singapore Cancer Society on 14 March 2026 at the National Stadium. It was an overnight event where participants walked or ran through the night to honour survivors, remember loved ones, and raise funds for cancer support programmes. The format of the event symbolises the journey of those impacted by cancer, from the darkness of diagnosis to the light of hope and recovery.

NTU alumni gathered on the track to show their support for cancer patients.

Forty members of the alumni community from different cohorts turned up alongside a field of 6,000 attendees. They were split into three NTU Alumni teams, which collectively clocked an impressive total of about 400km in laps throughout the night, including alumnus Liu Wei who pushed the boundaries of endurance by taking on the 100km solo run.

“Our alumni’s presence made a real difference – every step they took contributes to cancer support initiatives. We have a community that can support one another through such a meaningful cause. I hope this will inspire more to join a community that supports one another,” said Prof Boh Wai Fong, Vice President for Lifelong Learning and Alumni Engagement for NTU, who was part of the team.

Beyond the physical challenge, the night was filled with camaraderie and deep reflection among the alumni participants. Here are a couple of anonymous reflections:

• An alumnus who has overcome his own five-year battle with cancer shared: "No one is alone on the road to fighting cancer. By participating, I want to send my blessings to the patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and I hope for their recovery. I am grateful for this event and wish all patients and supporters peace and good health."
  

• Another alumnus shared that his grandmother passed away from cancer, while both his father and mother are cancer survivors. “The long struggle against cancer is not only difficult for the patient but is also stressful for caregivers. When the run started at 8pm, everyone was full of energy. A fellow alumnus gave me an important reminder that this was not just about completing 100 km, but about persevering until 8 am. This symbolises continuous support for cancer patients until they win this battle."

The race experience left the alumni with unforgettable memories and moments that will linger long after the night ended. Looking forward, more alumni are invited to join future initiatives, whether in running or philanthropy, as a warm and supportive community continues to grow and move forward together, step by step.

We invite alumni to participate in next year’s “Relay For Life” to show support for cancer patients. Join us and contact NTU Gobi Team Alumni Association at [email protected] for future running events.