In conjunction with World Heart Day, a team of 20 climbers from Gleneagles JPMC embarked on the challenge of climbing Mount Kinabalu on September 16, 2024.
As Brunei’s only tertiary cardiac centre, the climb was part of the hospital’s continuous efforts to promote heart health and encourage an active lifestyle within the community.
Comprising passionate healthcare professionals and fitness enthusiasts, the team undertook the climb to raise awareness of cardiovascular health and prevention of heart disease. The expedition aligned with this year’s World Heart Day theme, ‘Use Heart for Action’, and aimed to inspire individuals to prioritise their heart health and fitness journeys.
Despite severe weather conditions, the team successfully reached Panalaban, the final pit stop before the summit. Due to worsening conditions, officials advised against proceeding further. However, reaching Panalaban safely was seen as a significant achievement in itself.
Gleneagles JPMC’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Tay, commended the team’s dedication, saying, “We are incredibly proud of our team for undertaking this challenge in support of a worthy cause. At Gleneagles JPMC, we encourage a healthy work-life balance, and initiatives like this foster team connection and boost mental well-being. The expedition exemplifies how staying active can benefit individuals both physically and mentally, in line with the spirit of World Heart Day.”
Sharing his experience, Chief Operating Officer of Gleneagles JPMC, Izzul Hamzi bin Haji Jomari, who participated in the expedition, remarked, “We expected the climb to be challenging, but the severe weather added another level of difficulty. Fortunately, our months of dedicated training helped us overcome these challenges together. We hope our journey inspires others to pursue healthier, stronger lives.”
Assistant Nurse Manager from the Operating Theatre Department, Roslinda Binti Bachok, added, “Despite the difficult conditions, completing the expedition with my colleagues was an incredibly rewarding experience. I am grateful to have achieved this with Gleneagles JPMC.”
World Heart Day is celebrated globally on September 29 each year, aiming to educate and motivate individuals to take control of their heart health. As a Centre of Excellence, Gleneagles JPMC continues to advocate for cardiovascular health through various initiatives, including cardiac screenings, educational programs, and community activities. Their upcoming event, World Heart Day Brunei Run 2024, will be held on October 6, 2024, at Taman Haji Sir Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.
