Letters | Hong Kong cancer fundraiser walk cancelled in heartbreaking decision, but please keep the spirit alive

We are saddened to have cancelled our annual Stride for a Cure walk in Tai Tam Park on Sunday, December 8. In view of the uncertainty around the upcoming event this Sunday, we need to put the safety of our participants, volunteers and staff before everything else.

It is a very special occasion for our cancer survivors and supporters. With more than 2,000 people gathering together for a great cause: to raise funds for a cure for cancer. Many have walked every year for 24 years.

The walk is a particularly poignant milestone to celebrate another year of life with hundreds of fellow cancer survivors. The camaraderie and caring support they feel on this day is powerful, giving them the strength to keep moving forward. Cancer survivors and their loved ones look forward to this significant event – in fact, they consider it an achievement.

In this challenging fundraising environment, the donations from Stride for a Cure are much needed for cutting-edge research. We hope that participants will keep the spirit of Stride for a Cure going by doing the walk at a time and place of their choosing.

Our participants, volunteers, staff, schools, corporate sponsors and the medical community will dearly miss taking part in our walk. We are heartbroken to make this decision.

Sally Lo, founder and chief executive, Hong Kong Cancer Fund