News
Urban Climb 300M+

16 January 2021

Event Date(s)/Period(s)
16 January 2021

Organised by
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology co-organised with Ignite Community Services, a non-profit organisation, to launch a unique fundraising challenge to support of the “Get Up and Walk Campaign”. The event saw Mr Lai Chi-wai (黎志偉), a paraplegic climber with unwavering determination, attempt to climb the Nina Tower skyscraper while in his wheelchair. Dubbed the "Urban Climb 300M+", it took place at 320-metre-tall Nina Tower, Tsuen Wan on 16 January 2021. The event was organised with lead partner Chinachem Group.

Relying on his incredible upper body strength and sheer grit Mr Lai managed a staggering 250 metres. The climb was call off shy of the full height of the tower only due to strong gusts of wind which caused the chair to spin dangerously. 

The incredible feat led to total donations of HKD 7.7 million, including HKD 3.8 million donations from the public and corporate donors, and a dollar-for-dollar matching donation pledged by Chinachem Group. The donations will be allocated to the Department's "Get Up and Walk" campaign, supporting the Department's pioneering work in developing exoskeletons to help paraplegics regain mobility, as well as other clinical services and research work to support the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries. A cheque presentation ceremony was arranged by ChinaChem Group in March 2021 at which Professor Kenneth Cheung Man-chee (張文智), Head of the Department, gave a presentation to the donors on how the campaign helps the patients.