“It was very painful; I was on the verge of losing him,” the Seremban-born fitness coach recalled. “I was devastated because he wasn’t even awake most of the time and I was really depressed. It dawned on me that I’m not going to have him forever.”
Instead of succumbing to despair, Herman chose to channel his feelings into action. He decided to honour his father by embarking on an ambitious goal that will see him going on a 425km walk from Kuala Lumpur to Paya Lebar in Singapore.
If the distance wasn’t enough, he will subsist solely on water throughout the duration.
His nine-day journey, aptly titled “Walk for Papa”, begins on Nov 16 with a flag-off event in KL, which will include a family-friendly carnival and fun runs. Additional events will follow in Johor (Nov 23) and Singapore (Nov 24).
Co-organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia and Singapore Cancer Society, “Walk with Papa” is simultaneously a fundraiser for cancer causes and a call to action, advocating for early detection and the importance of health screenings. Herman aims to raise RM2 million through the event.
In addition, this is his attempt at breaking both the Malaysia and Guinness World records. And ultimately, the older of two siblings wishes to inspire cancer patients, including his father, to keep on fighting.
“Fighting cancer is a daunting task,” Herman told FMT Lifestyle. “I want to prove that the human body can do wonderful things. We do have superpowers within ourselves.”
His 78-year-old father, Teo Eng Swee, recalled how Herman had nonchalantly told the family about this project last December during a family dinner.
“I was amazed – in fact, the whole family was amazed because this is not a normal project. It’s very dangerous,” Eng Swee said candidly.
“But I know he won’t change his mind because since he was young, he was very persistent in doing what he thinks is right. So, I cannot stop him; we will support him.”
Preparing for this challenge has been life-changing for Herman, a former corporate leader who, after struggling with high blood pressure and weight issues, quit his job, embraced clean eating, and exercised daily, ultimately reclaiming his health during the pandemic.
His newfound wellbeing and vitality serves as the bedrock of this upcoming challenge: Herman regularly practises intermittent and extended fasting, and also runs 40km every week.
To prepare for “Walk for Papa”, Herman has been doing 40km walks, each lasting about 12 hours, with only short breaks to change his socks and drink water. This is in addition to his regular runs and resistance training at the gym.
But a journey of this magnitude requires more than physical training. Herman emphasises the importance of mental and emotional preparation.
“This entire project has been stressful,” he admitted, citing the daunting tasks of coordinating sponsors, rallying support, and ensuring everything will run smoothly.
Thankfully, he has a solid support system, with friends and family contributing their time and efforts to make this a reality. As Eng Swee said: “I told him, ‘You can do it. You are the best. We have the confidence that you can achieve it’.”
As he sets off on his monumental trek next weekend, each step Herman takes will carry the weight of love, struggle, and determination; every kilometre a reminder of his father’s courage and the unbreakable bond they share.
“I’m inspired to do this because of my dad’s persistence in life. He will never give up. Likewise, I will never give up no matter what, and will finish what I’ve set out to do,” Herman said.
“This is what I’ve always been brought up with, and I will embrace that and hope it inspires other people not to give up.”
Click here to register for the ‘Walk for Papa’ fun runs in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 16. Registration closes this Sunday (Nov 10), so don’t delay!
Get more information about ‘Walk for Papa’ here, and find out more on Facebook and Instagram.