Just when we thought the COVID-19 situation was getting better, on 17th May 2021, the MOH advisory was raised back to heightened alert (no dine in allowed). The columbarium was shut again for a month and we could not visit Thad’s niche.
We also knew that Thad’s 14th memorial run could not be held at RI Stadium just like last year. We informed our relatives and friends that we will be doing another virtual run on Sunday 20th June 2021.
We are heartened that through the years, many still gave us much support and prayers. It was raining on the afternoon of 20th June, but all our relatives and friends did their runs, jogs and walk for Thad. We did ours around our estate, as did Thom and Kim in London. Jacky walked with me, while George did his 5km run.
(Above) A few photos taken at our house before the run on 20th June, Sunday 5pm.
(Above) Before, after and during our jog, run and walk
Mama walking a full round around her estate, thinking of Thad!
Many relatives and friends also did their own runs and walks in memory of Thad, dressed in pink. We are so touched and we really appreciate that Thad is so well loved.
Here are many lovely photos that were sent to us.
Nancy (Angie’s colleague) did 2 runs, one on 25th May and the other on 20th June) and was the first to send me her photo with this message –
“Hi Angie, this is in memory of Thad. Love leaves a memory no one can steal”
Matthew, Regina (Thad’s godparents) and their son Theodore walking for Thad!
Eugene (Angie’s cousin) & wife Chiat, with their children Greg and Amanda, walking for Thad!
Martha (George’s ex-colleague) did something very special for us. She walked to the RI stadium (Gate 16), a wonderful reminder of where our run would have had taken place. “It was a nice, happy walk. Thank you for letting me be a part of Thad’s love for sports & celebrating his life. May God bless you & George with joy & peace ❤️”
Betty (Angie’s cousin) and hubby, Felipe on the way to MacRitchie to walk for Thad!
Monica (Angie’s friend) did her walk at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin.
Chung Hwa (Angie’s friend) walking at East Coast Park.
Alice and Francis (George’s ex-colleague) completed their walk at Bedok Reservoir in memory of Thaddeus.
Mary (Angie’s friend) walked around the neighbourhood – “Remembering Thaddeus as I walk”.
Serene Wong (Angie’s colleague) sending her love from East Coast Park!
“In blessed memory of Thad” – Henry Lie (Angie’s ex-colleague)
Giam (Angie’s friend) and Lynn at Flora Drive.
“Special memory of Thad and his loving parents. We took a 5km round trip from our home to Bedok Reservoir Connector Park” – Angela (Angie’s colleague) and her husband, Willy.
Teck Koon (Angie’s colleague) blessing us on Thad’s anniversary!
Michael Leong (George’s friend) did his 5 km run for Thad after waiting out for the rain to stop.
Sheila (George’s ex-colleague) did her run for Thad on 21st June as the heavy downpour the previous day prevented her from doing so.
“You’re always in our thoughts and prayers, lots of love Bobby (Angie’s ex-colleague) and Natasha”
Chek Tsang (Angie’s ex-colleague) went for jog near his home.
Paul (George’s secondary school friend) and his wife, Jennet walked in their estate.
“Sorry Angie, I did do my brisk walk this morning but I completely forgot to take a photo of myself. I did my walk in memory of Thaddeus.” – Felicia (Angie’s school friend)
“Thinking of you all” – Usha Rao (Angie’s ex-colleague)
We jogged and reminisced about family, talked about our little dreams for the future and many other random topics. This once-a-year run, always reminds us to enjoy the smaller things in life and to live each moment to the fullest. Thanking you and Angie for always having us in this. – Solomon (George’s office colleague) and his wife, Faith.
Poh Kiang and his wife Joan (Angie’s friends) completing their run for Thaddeus!
Another one of Thad’s wonderful friends from the ex-RI cross country team – Audrey Teng.
John and Geok Lian (Angie’s friend) did a 4.1km walk in the Gardens by the Bay with pink lights!
“Remembering Thaddeus” – Serene Lim (Angie’s friend)
“Completed my 5km for Thaddeus @ Botanic Gardens…always in my memory…the boy who lived his life to the fullest…” – Jacqueline (George’s ex-colleague).
Alex (George’s secondary school friend) completing his walk/jog for Thad!
One of Thad’s wonderful friends from the ex-RI cross country team – Alvin Ee
Tiffany with Alex running despite the downpour – Done the 5km in Thad’s memory yesterday evening. It was 9pm and the heavy rain was not letting up. That’s why we ended the run drenched. It was very cooling and I could push myself a bit more + I wanted to do a good run for Thad too! It was a blessing to allocate this time to think about our days with Thad and remember his strong fighting spirit. I aspire to live the remaining year to the fullest. Wish Thad well.
With pink shoes, in memory of Thad – May Sing (Angie’s colleague)
A new addition to the family – Thad’s new nephew, 4 month young Raphael Koh, doing his bit for Uncle Thad!
After the run,
we had a simple dinner at home with Margaret Yap, our friend’s daughter, from Kuching.
On the same evening, Channel News Asia broadcast a feature on Guidelines on sudden cardiac arrests during sports:
Click here to view Article on Channel News Asia
To our surprise, Thaddeus was mentioned in the video. It was a stark reminder of how it happened 14 years ago.
On Thursday 24th Jun 2021, Thad’s 14th anniversary, which is also the Feast Day of St John the Baptist, we continued to celebrate Thad’s life. We managed to visit Thad at his niche in the morning and said the Rosary for him.
George and I celebrated Thad’s life over lunch at the Garden Grill. Here are some photos we took:
Since we could not dine out, we invited Mama and Thad’s godparents Matthew, Regina and cousin Theodore over for dinner.
In our Facebook post of Thad’s 14th anniversary, we received nearly 70 love/likes and heartfelt messages via Whatsapp and SMS.
Thank YOU to all our friends and relatives who continue to support and love us and we really appreciate it.
I shall do my daily walk as participation in the memorial run. I’ll keep all of you in prayer at mass tomorrow. Thad, pray for us. God bless!Archbishop Emeritus John Ha, Kuching
Shalom, Angie and George. Hope you and your loved ones are fine. Prayed for Thaddeus and you all. Do take care ya. God bless!Fr Anthony Liew (Parish Priest of St Michael’s Church, Ipoh)
Remembering a young & promising National Athlete who passed away after crossing the finish line this day in 2007.We made a pact that I would be working with him when he qualified for SEA Games..
And he did…
He was a big factor why I decided to leave the Service and go into coaching…
Many years on, still in the business.Can’t wait for the day to hug you again and talk about the sport we love so dear.
Lloyd Ngoh
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today….Hai Ying
Remembering you and your family, especially Thaddeus today.Ginette, Raymond and Pam
Prayed for him today on his anniversary as I prayed for my mum! May he Rest In Peace and may he intercede for us when we need Divine assistance!Catherine Tan
Today in memory of Late Thaddeus, our hearts and minds are extended to him in silent special prayers. We miss his presence physically, however the thought of him will remain in our heart forever.Wishing Thaddeus A Happy 14th Heavenly Eternity Anniversary.
Rejoice and Peace Be With You Thaddeus.
Francis Claudius
Our thoughts and prayers are with you on Thad’s anniversary… we still miss him and count ourselves blessed to have known him and to be in the same family.Anne Loh
Hope you and your family had a good memorial run in your estate this evening. I have said my little prayer for Thad and believe he will always have a special place in your heart!Mel Basuki
I have been wanting to text you but for some unknown reasons, the text just didn’t get through. June will always be special to you (and now to me too since I know Thad and you).My little Adam’s passing this Jan’21 reminded me so much of Thad’s story. Now I see grief better, feel it’s impact stronger than ever. There were times I experienced cold sweat and humongous pain just to think and see Adam and wondering am I depressed. Grief is both foe and friend, it’s dark yet light. So much to learn from grief…….
I’d like you to know that your sharing of Thad’s story has always motivated me to be a better person. No matter how many times I hear of it or simply think of Thad in June, it pulls on my heartstring all the time. I felt his story prepared me for the grief I had to experience with little Adam. Carrying his lifeless body for hours in KKH, hoping all was just a dream
Thad and Adam have taught me to enter each day with a generous heart, to let grief painfully do its good work in me. This June, I am once again grateful to Thad and you. Holding both of you lovingly gratefully in my love and prayers. God of hope, God who loves us will surely make us His beautiful petal, watered by grief, nurtured by pain yet wholly attended by Him and Him alone. To God be the Glory ahead of 24th June, I send you my love and God’s supreme blessings.
Amy Lim
Doing the run tomorrow, u take care Angie! Keeping Thad and your family in prayers. Lionel Chai
Sending prayer to Abba Father.Jovina Lim
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May our Heavenly Father watch over Thad and shines his light on him.
HC Goh
Remembering Thad today with loving memories. Take care!Oriana Wong
Keeping Thad in my prayers.Maria Choo
Always thinking of Thad! Nick Chia
Thinking of you. XXJulie Clark
God bless! Sending love and blessings to you always. XXXMoe Gibson
God’s Grace for you and family.Betty Wee
Thad is in the best place…our real home. We shall all meet again at the Resurrection. If we but believe. Blessings to both of you and family.Mary Soh
Godma and Godpa, here is a flower to remember Thad. I know it’s tough despite so many years have passed. Love you both very much!Tracey and Sandy
