Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: A cancer awareness and fundraising hiking program was organized in Hong Kong on Sunday at the initiative of Miss Nepal Hong Kong International Deepmala Kharel.
More than 130 participants hiked to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, to raise funds for an awareness campaign and free cancer screening for 200 economically disadvantaged women in Shree Bhawani village of Parsa. The event was organized in cooperation with Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Harisiddhi.
According to Kharel, who also serves as an ambassador of the hospital, the campaign will focus particularly on early detection, awareness, and free screening of cervical and breast cancer.
Kharel said that a team of doctors and nurses from the hospital plans to visit the village to conduct examinations, provide consultations, and offer treatment. “Many Nepali women lack awareness about cancer symptoms and are unable to undergo regular check-ups due to financial constraints. This campaign aims to help them,” she added.
The program was not limited to hiking alone. It was a meaningful example of unity, cooperation, and humanitarian spirit within the Nepali diaspora. Nepalis living in Hong Kong demonstrated the spirit of “Nepalis supporting Nepalis” during the event.
According to Kharel, some participants are also planning to travel to Nepal to work directly with the medical team. Alongside the Nepali community, there was notable participation from international students (from China, India, the United States, Europe, and the Philippines) as well as local residents. Nepali Consulate General in Hong Kong and other government-affiliated individuals also participated in the event. The event also saw participation of Mount Everest sumiteers, ultra-runners, and social activists.
A minimum participation fee of 200 Hong Kong dollars was set for the event. The fee included a T-shirt and meals. However, participants contributed significantly more than the minimum amount, according to Kharel.
