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SCMP Reporter

Betty Tung Chiu Hung-ping has accepted top roles with a string of charities and institutions, taking up the reins from former first lady Lavender Patten.

 The wife of Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa now has more charitable roles than her husband, who has decided against accepting patronages previously held by Chris Patten.

 The trained nurse holds at least four honorary patronages, including the Community Chest, Red Cross, Zonta Club and Hong Kong Federation of Women.

 Traditionally, the head of government is invited to become the patron of many high-profile charities, and the Chief Executive's Office confirmed Mr Tung had received dozens of invitations.

 The 220-member Zonta Club, whose last honorary chairman was Mrs Patten, is planning a reception to mark Mrs Tung's acceptance of the role.

 'We were not sure whether Mrs Tung would accept our invitation. Hong Kong has entered a new era and she is a low-key person,' a spokesman said.

 'We're pleased to hear she will accept our patronage and help our fund-raising events.'  A Federation of Women spokesman confirmed Mrs Tung - a founding member of the body - had decided to become its patron.

 Mrs Patten had never held the role, but federation chairman Peggy Lam Pei Yu-dja had persuaded her friend Mrs Tung to accept.

 A Community Chest spokesman said it had invited Mr and Mrs Tung to take up roles last held by the Pattens - but had only received one reply.

 'We received a confirmation from Mrs Tung as our president. But we are still waiting for Mr Tung's reply as our patron,' she said.

 Mr Tung was vice-patron of the Community Chest before the handover.

 The Pattens had been patrons of more than 150 non-profit bodies during their five years. Mrs Patten had 67 charities under her wing, while the last Governor had 94.



First Lady accepts top spot in string of local charities