Well-known Hong Kong diving coach Mr. Steve Chan will travel to Yunnan in May, along with twelve other like-minded friends, to begin a 2,168 kilometre, 117-day fundraising trek to Tibet. 

Steve got to know HOPE worldwide when he joined our GoodTrekker event in 2015, a 40 kilometre fundraising trek through parts of Sichuan Province ending at Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve in the western part of the province.

Our Elderly Programme’s mission—helping elderly people age healthily—especially resonated with Steve, so the following year, he raised more than HK$170,000 for our elderly services by hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, a 3,500 kilometre hike through fourteen states on the East Coast of the United States.

This year Steve is continuing his mission of raising support for our Elderly Fall Prevention Programme.  He’s gathered twelve of his friends to join him on this Tibet Walk.  In addition to raising funds, Steve also wants to highlight the need for those in the “young-old” group to stay active as they reach retirement.  This group of people can contribute a lot to our society as long as they stay active and healthy.

Steve said, “Besides challenging yourself physically, this Tibet Walk is an opportunity to just be with yourself.  When I hiked the Appalachian Trail last year, I had a lot of time alone.  I was able to think about how I want to live the next phase of my life.  It was my greatest gain from the trip.  So I persuaded many of my friends, including those I have coached diving, to do this Tibet Walk.”

Through long-distance hikes, Steve was able to prepare himself physically and mentally for this next, “young-old” phase of his life.  He believes such experiences are invaluable to people nearing retirement age.  And, while helping ourselves, why not also do something to help others, especially the old-old people?  After all, we will all get there one day.

Support Steve's Tibet Walk by clicking here to donate.

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The route for the Tibet Walk extends 1,930 kilometres, 39 of which are situated at 4,000 metres above sea level, and 239 of which sit at 3,000-4,000 metres above the sea.  Along the way, you will see snow-capped mountains and cliffs.  You will go through tunnels and bridges.  You will experience extreme cold and thin air.  Sceneries you will take in include the famous Lijiang and Shangri-La.  The route is full of adventure, beauty and amazing sights.

Retired Professional Diving Coach.  Founder of Pro-Dive, Hong Kong’s largest diving gear shop.

Steve was responsible for discovering and bringing to the surface Nanhai No. 1, an 800 year-old sunken ship with over 80,000 well-preserved relics from the Sung Dynasty.  In 2000, Steve gave HK$1.2 million from his personal wealth to fund the search for the sunken ship.  The ship was brought to the surface in 2007.*

He has coached diving to many of Hong Kong’s major business leaders and celebrities.

*Source: www.CRNTT.com