For Paul, some of life's greatest joys are found on two wheels. The 43-year-old father of two has long been passionate about cycling, finding peace and tranquillity in the many hours spent on long rides.

But over the past few years, his rides have come to mean something even greater.

Since joining Reach for Rainbow (formerly known as Ride & Ralk for Rainbows) in 2020 after learning about the event from a former colleague who was also fundraising for it, Paul has returned year after year, combining his passion for cycling with a desire to make a difference.

This year marks his fifth participation in Reach for Rainbow.

"The key is still with channelling funds to the children and individuals in need under Club Rainbow (Singapore)," he said.

Over time, the cause has become even more personal. Paul's son has been formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and is currently studying at Rainbow Centre.

Riding with Purpose

Although Paul has never participated in the in-person events, Reach for Rainbow has become something he eagerly anticipates each year.

"It's been great and I look forward to it," he said. "I know my supporters are keen to support this cause as I undertake the challenge virtually."

For him, the event offers the freedom to challenge himself in his own way, all while rallying friends and family behind a meaningful cause and challenge himself he certainly does.

One of his most memorable feats came when he completed a gruelling 500km ride in a single outing.

"I joked that I would likely only see some 200km as I expected the amount of contributions to be far less," he recalled with a laugh.

But when donations exceeded his expectations, Paul honoured his commitment.

"I was surprised by the uptake and committed to it. Physically, it was also the hardest I've done in a single ride."

Crossing the finish line after 500 kilometres brought with it a tremendous sense of satisfaction.

"I felt good after that."

Winning the Mental Battle

While the distances may seem intimidating to many, Paul believes the greatest challenge isn't physical.

"The long ones — 330km and 500km in two editions — they're mostly mental perseverance."

As fatigue sets in, the midday sun bears down, and nutrition becomes harder to manage, negative thoughts inevitably creep in.

"How do you overcome the constant 'let's quit this' thoughts when the going gets tough?" he reflected.

Adding to the challenge, Paul often takes on these rides alone, cycling repeated loops around Seletar through the quiet hours of the night and early morning.

"It's also overcoming the boredom in the wee hours of the morning."

Yet it is precisely these moments that make completing the challenge so rewarding.

Through every difficult stretch, Paul keeps pedalling, driven by the knowledge that each kilometre helps raise awareness and support for children and families served by Club Rainbow.

Beyond First Impression

Ask Paul what Reach for Rainbow means to him, and his answer is refreshingly simple.

"It simply means doing good and having fun while doing it."

For him, fundraising starts with something unexpected.

"People would first associate a crazy guy doing a crazy thing," he joked.

"But once they see the cause he is fighting for, they then join in the fundraising effort, which ultimately serves to help those who need it."

At its heart, Reach for Rainbow is about much more than distance covered or milestones achieved. It is about raising awareness, bringing people together, and transforming individual passions into a force for good.

Challenge Yourself, But Most Importantly, Have Fun

For those thinking about joining Reach for Rainbow for the first time, Paul has one piece of advice: make the experience your own.

"Take it at your own pace."

He encourages participants to approach fundraising with sincerity and understanding.

"Reach out to the people who know you and remain genuine with the ask for fundraising. Not everyone feels or shares the same values on this charity over another, and that's okay. Some may have committed to other charitable events and may decline to chip into your cause."

As for the challenge itself, Paul believes it is an opportunity to discover what you're capable of.

"If the event requirements are a challenge in themselves, then go ahead. If you would like to push yourself a bit more, why not?"

And above all else, he hopes everyone remembers one thing.

"Most importantly, have fun."

Whether it's 10 kilometres or 500, every step walked, every kilometre cycled, and every dollar raised helps bring hope and support to children and families who need it most.

For Paul, that's what Reach for Rainbow is all about — doing good and having fun while doing it.

Take the first step today. Sign up, start fundraising, or make a donation to support our children with chronic illnesses and their families at reachforrainbow.org. Together, we can help every child climb towards a brighter future.

About Club Rainbow (Singapore)

Established in 1992, Club Rainbow (Singapore) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children with chronic illnesses, many of whom have disabilities and special needs, and their families. Anchored in our commitment to empowering individuals to lead dignified lives and become active contributors to society, Club Rainbow delivers more than 30 critical programmes, services, and assistance schemes to support our children and their family members.

Website: https://www.clubrainbow.org/

Contact number: 6377 1789

Email: contact@clubrainbow.org

Facebook/ Instagram/ TikTok/ LinkedIn/ YouTube: @clubrainbowsingapore

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