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Dr William Tan: A Doctor Like No Other

By Audris Woon

He who once entered the Guinness Book of Records with a 10 marathon push in 65 days on 7 continents is now putting himself to the challenge again. This time, he will embark on a wheelchair odyssey to complete 16 marathons over 49 days across the North and South Poles and all 7 continents. And if you think this is all about breaking world records and attaining fame? Think again. Dr William Tan, a Singapore wheelchair marathon champion, has undertaken this arduous journey to raise funds for the Global Flying Hospitals (GFH), a not-for-profit organization that provides medical support to suffering people around the world. His life Dr Tan, a neuroscientist and medical doctor, contracted polio at the age of two but missed out on two crucial drops of Salk Vaccine that resulted in his paralysis from the waist down. Dr Tan spent his childhood years sheltered and protected, and was not allowed to engage in physical activities. However, he became a wheelchair athlete after meeting Mr Wahid Baba, an ex-police officer who was left paralysed waist

down after being shot while on guard duty during the time of the Confrontation in the 1950s. Mr Baba played a major role in pioneering wheelchair sports in Singapore and was involved in organising the first Regional Sports Meet in conjunction with the Singapore Handicapped Month in 1973, which led to the establishment of disability sports in Singapore. It was Mr. Baba who recognized the raw talent in Dr Tan, who was then only 15 years old, and introduced him to wheelchair sports. Dr Tan has since been actively involved in marathons and has helped raise more than $16 million for charities locally and internationally.

The challenge

Dr Tan’s latest challenge is the GRAND SLAM marathon world record attempt which he embarked upon on 28 January 2007 and will last till 22 April 2007. With his determination, he will be conquering the North and South Poles and also participating in marathons in various cities in Africa, Australasia, Asia, America and Europe. Prior to his challenge, Dr Tan had undergone intensive training to prepare himself for the grueling journey, where he will have to take part in marathons lined back-to-back over the 4 months. While it would require at least 3 months for one to recover from a marathon, Dr Tan’s endurance will be put to the test with him having to participate in marathons almost every weekend so as to fulfill his goal in raising funds for the Global Flying Hospitals. In addition to the physical training he had to undergo, Dr Tan also went through a nutritional programme to prepare himself for the physical challenges such as the extreme climate conditions in the Antarctica.

The difficulties

‘Demanding’ and ‘arduous’ alone simply cannot describe the challenges that Dr Tan will be put through in the following months. Having experienced the harsh conditions in Antarctica in 2005 where he faced the rough terrain with lurking mud pools, Dr Tan has prepared himself to deal with the unexpected situations that will arise during his journey. Extreme climatic conditions, physical tiredness, mental fatigue and even flight delays are but a few challenges he will have to confront on his journey. Being the first person to attempt a marathon in a wheelchair in the North Pole only piles on the challenges for he can only imagine the unexpected situations that will occur. However, not being a person to be daunted by difficulties, Dr Tan has designed a special wheelchair that he will use in the North and South Poles. This wheelchair has a longer and wider chair for greater stability, with bigger wheels and tyres fitted with spikes to allow for better grip in the snow. And as daunting as it may be, Dr Tan certainly looks forward to conquering the North Pole.

The proceeds and GFH

Through his efforts, Dr Tan hopes to raise about $2 million for the Global Flying Hospitals, the Humanitarian ‘Medical’ organization which flies refurbished jet aircrafts operating as high-tech, fully functioning surgical hospitals to developing countries around the world. Due to the life-changing impact the lack of medical aid had on him, Dr Tan was inspired to support the worthy cause of GFH, to provide free medical aid to countries lacking in technology and expertise. The funds raised will go directly to medical services offered by GFH such as for operating needs. Dr Tan will embark on his challenge alone due to the cost of the expedition (with S$125,000 being spent on his basic expenses alone) and the lack of sponsors. However, he believes in “going out all heart, soul and mind in spite of all obstacles” and that “there’s always a price to pay for a dreamer”. And an admirable dream it certainly is for accomplishing it would improve the lives of so many others.

His message for the disabled community Not forgetting his fellow disabled before he embarked on his odyssey, Dr Tan left SDSC with some words of encouragement. He expressed his pleasure in having worked closely with SDSC in raising awareness of disability sports and encouraged his fellow disabled

sportsmen to “see sports not just as competition but as part of themselves”. He believes that the disabled should regard sports as part of their lifestyle for they need the element of sports more so than the able-bodied due to the health benefits that will result from an active lifestyle. Dr Tan feels that with the whole range of disabled sports offered, his fellow disabled contemporaries should maximize this opportunity to engage in sports through the local and international games organized by SDSC. Despite being wheelchair bound, Dr Tan has this to say about himself, “I live my life beyond the wheelchair. I recognize my limitations and accentuate the positives in my life such as developing my mind and arms.” And his word of encouragement to his fellow disabled? “Go forth and conquer our limits!”

Do not miss out on the opportunity to play a part in improving the lives of the needy! Hesitate no more and visit the www.gfhospitals.org to make a donation and find out more about this worthy cause!