Bandar Seri Begawan - Former national athlete Tea Ai Seng, otherwise known as Nancy who is currently recuperating from two spinal surgeries, has voiced her deep gratitude to the Department of Youth and Sports under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, for organising a series of charity activities to raise funds to help ease her financial burden brought about by medical bills.

Speaking to the Bulletin yesterday during the Zumba Fitness 'Charity for Nancy' event, Miss Tea said, "I am touched by the gesture of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. I would also like to say thank you to the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council which also provided assistance, and to Chung Hwa Middle School's principal, as well as the board of directors for their support."

Nancy helped cast the spotlight on Brunei Darussalam in the regional scene when she won two bronze medals during the SEA Games in 1999. Following her career as an athlete, she worked as a coach in guiding special needs athletes in a number of tournaments.

Nancy is currently recovering from her more recent spinal surgery on November 23, 2012, at JPMC. Her first surgery was performed in Kuching on July 4, last year. The surgery was required after she had sustained an injury during a fall on June 6, 2012 which rendered her unable to walk.

Recalling the incident, she explained, "My legs slowly became numb and I wasn't able to walk later. I went to RIPAS Hospital for an initial check and then I went to Kuching for emergency surgery. The cost of the surgery shot up to $40,000, which I couldn't afford.

"After I came back to Brunei, I still felt numbness in my legs and was then referred to JPMC, where I was told that I needed another surgery. The surgery took place on November 23 and was successful thanks to Dr Harm."

More than a month after the surgery she said, "I can move my legs slowly, however, I still need a walking stick and someone to guide me."

Currently Nancy is undergoing therapy at JPMC as she works on getting back on her feet.

Members of the public who are keen on lending their support can take part in the upcoming 'Charity for Nancy' events:

An invitational futsal tournament will be held from January 18 to 20 at the Indoor Stadium.

Meanwhile, a Charity Run (5.5km) together with a Charity Cycling (42km) event will be held on the night of January 26 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium. Each participant will have to pay a $20 fee, which will include a special edition T-shirt. The closing date for submission of registration is January 10.