50-year-old Gary joined the Force in 1993 and spent most of his time in criminal investigation. He has served as an undercover agent in large-scale anti-vice operations and stationed in various elite Formations, including the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau and Narcotics Bureau. Having just been informed of his promotion to Station Sergeant in 2020, Gary found a persistent hard lump on the back of his neck and was diagnosed as having stage 3 nasopharyngeal cancer. It was a bolt from the blue.

Gary said, “As my two sons were still young and the family really needed me, I had to overcome the disease with my strong willpower to stay alive.” Gary recalled that during the treatment, the radiotherapy caused burning pain in his throat and dysphagia in his retracted oesophagus, while the side effects of chemotherapy caused him insomnia. With strong determination and perseverance, Gary defeated the cancer after three months of intensive treatment, and asked to resume duty immediately. Gary is posted to be the commander of a Patrol Sub-unit of Sau Mau Ping Police Station. Despite being plagued by sequelae such as recurrent headache and dizziness, he has the understanding of his superiors and colleagues and is arranged to work early shifts.

Although his career trajectory has been disrupted by the illness, multi-talented Gary finds spiritual sustenance through his interests. Being a member of the Force’s Magic Club as well as a member of the committee of Police Pop Music Club, Gary continues to devote himself to volunteer activities upon his recovery from the disease. He often gives performances to the elderly and children to spread joy among them. Moreover, he loves singing and has participated in auditions of the singing competition of a TV station for two consecutive years. Although he failed to make the top 100, his performance was still praised by the judges.

In addition to spreading joy among members of the public, Gary would like to offer peer counselling to colleagues who have experienced serious illness or injury. Gary participated in the WeCare Project of Welfare Services Group last June. Through his own experience, he encouraged colleagues who felt lost during their fight against diseases. He also shared practical advice on treatment directions and side effects.

The optimistic Gary says that he is mentally prepared to live with the sequelae and accepts that it will take time for his body to recover. At work, his new ambition is to engage in police-community relations to convey the messages of positive life to more citizens through his experience.