DESPITE being visually impaired due to a rare disorder called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) at the age of 16, 46-year-old Penangite Darren Yuen Wai Keong refuses to see it as a barrier to achieving his dreams.
In fact, Wai Keong is actively pursuing his mission by preparing to embark on a 12-day ‘Darren Himalayan Adventure Hike’ from March 29 until Apr 9.
His unwavering determination, resilience and indomitable spirit as a true Penangite will be put to the test as he conquers the challenges of the Mardi Himal trail in Nepal in the coming weeks.
Wai Keong, a nature lover, enjoyed outdoor activities in his high school days before his visual impairment due to Retinitis Pigmentosa.
“I did not give up; instead, I adapted and continued with my daily routines indoors. Despite my shortcomings, I’m eager to embark on this extraordinary expedition, with the hope of inspiring others.
“I have to thank my family members, friends, St Nicholas’ Home, and the state government for their support towards this endeavour,” he said at a press conference hosted by the state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen in Komtar today.
According to Wai Keong, RP is a degenerative disease affecting the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye.
“It gradually breaks down cells in the retina, leading to vision loss,” he explained.
Recalling a nightmarish experience during a climb up Gunung Api in Mulu, Sarawak, in 2016, Wai Keong shared how he fell and endured a harrowing experience.
“Since the unfortunate incident, I stopped hiking for some time before gradually resuming with the encouragement of a few friends last year. They motivated me to not give up despite my limitations.
“Since then, I’ve been gradually getting back into hiking. Together with my friends, we began planning for this expedition to Nepal,” he said, adding that it will be a self-sponsored trip costing up to RM10,000.
Intending to set an exemplary model for other visually impaired people, Wai Keong said the Mardi Himal trail is considered safe, situated at 4,200 metres above sea level.
“We’ve conducted thorough research, and the journey does not require lots of experience. I hope to safely embark on this expedition with the support of my friends,” he added.
Apart from his expedition, Wai Keong also hopes to raise funds for St Nicholas’ Home.
“I hope funds will be channelled to St Nicholas’ Home to assist other visually impaired people,” he said.
Gooi, who facilitated the press conference, commended Wai Keong’s remarkable effort, expressing hope that it would inspire others to pursue their dreams.
“Don’t give up, but always have faith in yourself,” he said.
Those interested in donating can visit https://howei.com/donation_page/84 while Wai Keong’s Facebook Page is Darren Going Forward.
Also present during the press conference were Penang Hikers’ Roundtable founder Tony Leng, St Nicholas’ Home general manager Carmen Chew, as well as Wai Keong’s friends Samuel Shee and Carolyn Ooi, who will be accompanying him on the journey.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting