Mandy Yau's close friend Sharon Mak after she shaved her head to help Yau’s crowdfunding campaign.
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https://scmp.com/lifestyle/article/2124486/10-hong-kong-stories-will-warm-your-heart-christmas Lifestyle
10 Hong Kong stories that will warm your heart this Christmas
The feel-good factor may have been in short supply this year at times, but from William Chan’s vow to keep smiling despite his cancer battle to albino model Connie Chiu gracing the world’s catwalks, inspiration was never far away
William Chan was diagnosed with a rare and lethal form of skin cancer at birth, but 30 years on he is still defying the odds. Photo: Nora Tam
The year 2017 has been a volatile one that saw violence rage on in the Middle East, famine in Yemen, two terrible truck bombings in Somalia, and numerous natural disasters including hurricanes, a landslide in Colombia and wildfires in California.
But closer to home there were stories that lifted our spirits. Here are some that made us feel good, and maybe even inspired us to be better people.
How a Hong Kong cancer sufferer keeps going – and helps others
One of the most inspirational stories of the year came from Hongkonger William Chan. Diagnosed with a rare and lethal form of skin cancer at birth, Chan defied the odds with wit and a positive attitude, and, through his NGO Say Yeah, helps fellow Hongkongers.
How a friend’s shaved head helped Hong Kong cancer sufferer
Facing expensive immunotherapy for a rare disorder which had spread to her brain, Mandy Yau’s crowdfunding campaign has taken off after thousands of views of her friend having her long hair shaved off live on Facebook.
Raymond Lo, 70, took part in his 16th Oxfam Trailwalker 100km race. Photo: James Wendlinger
Hongkonger, 70, is ready for his 16th Trailwalker 100km race
Age is no barrier for Hongkonger Raymond Lo. The 70-year-old took part in his 16th Trailwalker 100km race, and he even volunteers to clean up the trail afterwards. He also shares his experience and techniques with younger athletes to help them run safely, so he can avoid becoming “a lonely old man”.
Hong Kong chef Vicky Cheng and his daughter Elizabeth.
Michelin-starred Hong Kong chef’s gift that keeps on giving
Michelin-starred Hong Kong chef Vicky Cheng gave his daughter a gift that keeps on giving when he and his wife did something different for their child’s first birthday: they raised money for Hong Kong’s undernourished children.
LoveXpress’ vice-chairwoman Noel Lam and founder Kitty Poon. Photo: Jonathan Wong
NGOs step in to give Hong Kong special needs children job training
With no clear educational guidelines for special-needs children in Hong Kong, NGOs LoveXpress and the Rock Foundation fill the gap by designing courses to put them on a suitable career path.
Vegan parent Emily Sim and her son Henry prepare food at their Pok Fu Lam Road home. Photo: Nora Tam
Meet the meat-free Hong Kong parents on a vegan mission
Members of the Veg Parents Hong Kong group are used to scepticism about raising children on a flesh-free diet. But they consult experts regularly to ensure their ethical and health reasons are not compromising nutrition needs as their child grows, and strive to change people’s perceptions.
Xyza Bacani with Clifford Hart, US Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau. The US Consulate was the sponsor of Bacani's solo exhibition, Human Slavery. Photo: SCMPOST
Ex-domestic helper Xyza Bacani on her human trafficking photo show
Ex-domestic helper Xyza Bacani photo show depicts the human cost of modern-day slavery but with a focus on the hope amid the horror. “Victims do not have to look sad,” she says.
Singapore singer songwriter Leon Markcus. Photo: David Wong
Singapore star Leon Markcus opens up about anorexia
Singapore star Leon Markcus opened up about his battle with anorexia – and prejudice – using his music to debunk stereotypes about the eating disorder and to offer support for other sufferers.
Stylist Grace Lam (right).
Stylist Grace Lam gives Hong Kong’s less fortunate makeovers
Grace Lam, a fashion director and former editor at Vogue China, shows her heart by giving Hong Kong’s less fortunate makeovers and a confidence boost in online video series.
Hong Kong albino model Connie Chiu. Photo: Margie Tsai/Connie Chiu
World’s first albino model Connie Chiu on growing up in Kowloon
Connie Chiu grew up in a Kowloon housing estate and went on to model for Jean Paul Gaultier and other designers around the world, breaking down perceptions about albinism along the way.