Raymond Lo Shiu-yuen, a 75-year-old liver cancer survivor from Hong Kong, is preparing to undertake a 65-kilometer solo canoeing challenge to raise funds for cancer patients and promote health awareness. Lo’s journey, scheduled for mid-October depending on weather conditions, will see him paddle non-stop for more than eight hours across open waters between Tung Chung and Ma Wan.

Lo was first diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 1995 at the age of 44, following a routine health check that detected an abnormal shadow on his liver. Further scans and blood tests confirmed the diagnosis, prompting surgery to remove a quarter of his liver. At the time, Lo was a hepatitis B carrier, a condition that increases the risk of severe liver complications.

Despite the physical and mental challenges posed by the disease, Lo quickly accepted his diagnosis and began adjusting his lifestyle. He left a high-paying position at a large logistics firm, opting to work for a smaller company with a lower salary to reduce stress and focus on recovery. During this period, he adopted healthier habits, including a balanced diet rich in homegrown fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and papayas. Lo also found solace in caring for a dozen stray and abandoned dogs at his home in Sham Shek Tsuen, Lantau Island, which he credited with keeping him occupied and providing emotional support.

Canoeing, a sport Lo originally took up after finishing secondary school and volunteering with the Auxiliary Medical Service, became a central part of his recovery and ongoing lifestyle. He had previously served as a canoe lifeguard and instructor before stepping away to focus on family after the birth of his first child. Rediscovering the sport during his recuperation, Lo purchased a second-hand canoe, which remains his preferred vessel for its maneuverability. He now paddles regularly at sea five days a week and has instructed about 100 students.

Lo’s upcoming challenge aims to honor friends and former colleagues who have died from cancer in recent years, many of whom did not undergo regular health screenings and maintained unhealthy lifestyles involving smoking, drinking, and poor diets. Through his event, he seeks to encourage the public to prioritize regular medical examinations and adopt healthier habits.

He acknowledged potential risks for the solo voyage, including adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning. Nevertheless, Lo emphasized his focus on maintaining a healthy body and enjoying life to the fullest, crediting his experience with cancer for instilling in him a renewed appreciation for health, vitality, and personal fulfillment.