Over 5,300 Hongkongers join 2007 ORBIS-Bupa Moonwalkers

Following on from the huge success of last years inaugural event, midnight Saturday November 17th, 2007, marked the start of the second ORBIS-Bupa Moonwalker symbolic journey from darkness into light. In all, some 5,300 "heroes" braved the crisp clear late autumn weather to walk the 25 Kms between Wanchai Sports Ground and Repulse Bay. By the time the last weary straggler struggled past the finishing line at 8.00 am, ORBIS had raised an eye-opening HK$2.4 million in support of its global sight saving initiatives.

Matching this years theme of "being a hero to save the sight of the preventably blind", a special "Hero Image Contest" took place at the starting ceremony. Some 300 participants spread across 40 teams dressed up creatively as their dream superheroes to demonstrate their kindness and endurance in saving sight. The winners were rewarded with the role of "navigators" and led the start of the walk.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director, Dr Damien Marmion, said: "Bupa has made it its mission to bring health to the world. The wellbeing of people¡¦s eyes is of course of paramount importance to both ourselves and ORBIS. For this reason, we were delighted to do be able to give our support by sponsoring the Night Walkathon for a second year. In supporting this event, it is our sincere hope that needlessly sightless people in poor countries will benefit. The encouragingly high turn out of so many warm-hearted Hongkongers proves that we are all doing the right thing together".

Both ORBIS and Bupa were delighted to see over 90% of the participants complete the 25 Kms challenge. All funds raised will be used to support ORBISs sight-saving projects in the worlds developing countries.

The Bupa volunteers distributed goodies bags to the moonwalkers to show their caring and support.

Every participant followed Yoga trainer to do some warm up exercises.

The winner of The Best Hero Image Award.

Mr. Paul Forrest, ORBIS Global Director for Development - Asia and Ms. Audrey Chan,
General Manager of Operations - China Region of Bupa Health Insurance, presented the
grand prize to the top fund-raising team.

The officiating guests hit the gong to kick off the walkathon.

The dashing Bupa Team was setting out!