By:
• Kim Makara

• November 8, 2024 , 7:15 PM

PHNOM PENH – Motorcyclist Oum Bunreth has raised $64,000 for Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals from a fundraising ride spanning 22 countries and will return to Cambodia on Nov. 9.

Bunreth, 44, deputy secretary-general of the Motor Sports Federation, embarked on the 29,000km journey from Munich in Germany on July 5.

“Tears, smiles and wishes from my family, friends and teamwork have fueled my determination and dedication to complete the journey,” Bunreth said.

“Despite some preparation ahead, I still encountered many hurdles along the way.

“I have prepared carefully, bringing medicine, a first aid kit, sweater and raincoat along with my BMW motorcycle. However, the medicine was not always effective in extreme cold places.”

During the 128-day journey, Bunreth rode through snowy conditions, sometimes facing temperatures as low as -15C. In some areas, he had to navigate mountain roads at altitudes more than 5,200 meters, where he found it hard to breath.

In Iran, Bunreth crossed the desert and sometimes encountered light storms.

“Despite these hurdles, I still think it is worthwhile as this journey could support Cambodian children. Personally, it is not a challenge yet an enjoyable adventure,” he said.

Bunreth left his family for four months to fundraise for five locations of Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals and to advocate for Cambodia.

This fundraising ride showed how individuals can make meaningful contributions to society no matter how big or small their actions.

“I am committed to supporting these hospitals and intend to see more active fundraising campaigns as I have seen such activities have noticeably decreased after the campaign ended,” he said.

Bunreth traveled across 22 countries including Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Andorra, Spain, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, China, Lao PDR and Thailand.

He us due to arrive at O’Smach on the Cambodia-Thai border on Nov. 9 and will rest in Siem Reap province before arriving Phnom Penh on Nov. 10.

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.