PENANG, Thurs: A sales executive was so touched by the gift of life from a charitable programme that she pledged to raise RM10,000 to fund its cause.

Grace Tong was at the Adventist Hospital in August to visit a relative’s birthday that had to undergo corrective heart surgery.

Three-month-old Eh Wai Siang urgently needed the surgery which cost RM40,000. His parents, Eh Boon Leng and Lim Moy Sim, could not come up with the amount.

Both thanks to the Gift of Life programme, a joint partnership between Penang Adventist Hospital and Rotary International, his parents only paid RM17,000.

The difference was paid from the programme’s fund.

At the brief ceremony on Sunday, tong handed over RM2,000 collected so far to the hospital for the programme.

"I just wanted to help Wai Siang and other children like him," she said.

The hospital has received RM354,810.26 from the public this year.

Last year, 22 Cambodians, nine Malaysians, two Indonesians and a Filipino benefited from the programme.

Donations can be made payable to The Rotary Club of Penang Gift of Life, Account 2, c/o Development Office, Penang Adventist Hospital, 465 Jalan Burma, 10350 Penang.

For details, call Rachel Phoon at 04-2261133 or email : foundation@pah.com.my.