bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

sponsorType

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Rachel Leung

Lee Sau-yee, a 70-year-old amputee, on Tuesday went to a cemetery to pay his respects for the first time since his elder brother died from throat cancer a decade ago.
Lee had long wanted to do so, but was prevented by 200 steps leading up to his brother’s resting place at Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery.
It was a dream come true for Lee to finally climb the hill on Hong Kong Island. The feat was made possible with the help of a stair machine and two technicians from St James’ Settlement Continuing Care.
“I am finally here to see you, it’s been so long, my brother,” Lee said after conquering the slope. “I am doing well, in good health and living a happy, stress-free life.”

The NGO began offering assistance in April to elderly, physically disabled or impaired Hongkongers needing help with staircases across Hong Kong Island.
The service has so far helped more than 1,000 people, at HK$10 (US$1.30) per trip.
“Destinations range from medical appointments to church gatherings,” said Lanly Yeung Wai-lan, coordinator of the operation.
Disabled in China: why life is still a struggle in a society designed for the able-bodied
And as the annual Chung Yeung Festival gets closer, when Hongkongers traditionally journey to the resting places of deceased loved ones, demand for help at cemeteries and columbariums is expected to grow.
Those in need can call to book three days ahead.
Lee, who lost his right leg 20 years ago, on Tuesday covered the four flights of stairs at the Chai Wan cemetery within 15 minutes.

The machine is built like a wheelchair and uses a pedrail wheel system. It tipped Lee back lightly as it took him up the stairs. Small feet attached to the wheel of the chair ensure it remains level as the device moves over each step.
On reaching the top, Lee could hardly hold back his emotion.
My brother and I went through everything ... A part of me has been missing since his death
Lee Sau-yee, 70
“Please continue to bless me with happiness and peace until we meet again,” Lee told his brother as he stared at his picture, eyes filled with tears.
“My brother and I went through everything. We grew up in an orphanage together – each other was all we had. A part of me has been missing since his death, and it tears me apart not being able to come to pay my respects.”
After more than an hour at the top, Lee took three bows and yelled: “I have got to go now, but I promise I will come visit at least once a year.
“I hope we can still be brothers in my next life.”
Lee’s case sheds light on how inaccessible much of Hong Kong is for the elderly and disabled, according to lawmaker Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung.
The city’s outdated buildings laws were to blame, he said.
Are Hong Kong’s banks doing enough to help their disabled or elderly customers?
“It’s been 10 years since the Buildings Department’s design manual for barrier-free access – which lists rules and guidelines for architects – was last revised. It’s time for an update,” Cheung said.
Many public places and buildings owned by the government were not even covered by the law, he added.
“Very often, these places are not barrier-free. They kind of rise above the laws.
“Ideally, even where it’s just two steps, there should be a ramp or a stair machine to provide access for the disabled.”


Town planning body slammed for neglecting disabled people over Wan Chai plan

HK$5 million plan to install anti-terrorism bollards near Hong Kong’s Sogo store

Northern Metropolis can combine best of central planning and free market

How government-led building repairs can work in Hong Kong

Urban planning

Amputee, 70, finally conquers 200 steps to remember dead brother, and sheds light on plight of less mobile Hongkongers

Lee Sau-yee is helped up stairs to his brother’s resting place on Tuesday. Photo: Sam Tsang

Lee Sau-yee, a 70 year old physically less mobile elder, sweep his brother’s grave by a staircase climber loaned by St James Settlement. Pictures at Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery. 09OCT18 SCMP/Sam Tsang

Grave-sweepers at Chinese Permanent Cemetery, Chai Wan. 11 October 2005

News

Hong Kong

Health & Environment

Society

Stair machine operated by local NGO is helping the elderly and disabled get to city’s hard-to-reach locations


Stair machine operated by local NGO is helping the elderly and disabled get to city’s hard-to-reach locations.


Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Environment

Amputee, 70, finally conquers 200 steps to remember dead brother, and sheds light on plight of less mobile Hongkongers

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Stair machine operated by local NGO is helping the elderly and disabled get to city’s hard-to-reach locations

Stair machine operated by local NGO is helping the elderly and disabled get to city’s hard-to-reach locations