My seven hours on July 1 march was worth it for Hong Kong

I went on the democracy march on Tuesday, start to finish, from Holding Pen No. 1 in Victoria Park to the corner of Pedder Street and Des Voeux Road in Central, where one of the marshals said that was enough.

Was it worth it? Did I accomplish anything? The trainer at the gym would certainly say I did.

Seven hours of standing or shuffling slowly along a 7km route, carrying two litres of water in my backpack, no chance to sit down for a rest, soaking wet the whole time because I was caught out by a rain shower in Victoria Park - beat that for endurance training.

But, yes, I do think it was worthwhile. I do think the authorities pay attention to the numbers on the march and I do believe that democracy is essential to Hong Kong's continued prosperity.

I think it is essential to China's, too, but that's another matter. Hong Kong is my home. I have lived here for 35 years and it is for democracy in Hong Kong that I marched. I am a classic Liberal. I stand for free choice.

Several things struck me on the march. First, it was a Hong Kong crowd through and through.