[CHECK OUT THE FULL PROPOSAL HERE!!!]

Hi, Samuel’s here. I am reaching out to ask for support in helping children in Cambodia gain access to the gift of education through English learning—and I am doing this by taking on a personal, physically demanding challenge.

Last summer, I volunteered for a month at New Hope of Children Assoication, located in the rural countryside of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The experience changed me deeply. Living in a comfortable city, I was shocked to see the harsh conditions these children face every day: classrooms without walls to block out noise, no air-conditioning against relentless 40-degree heat, and students who cannot even afford basic textbooks. Yet despite these hardships, their eyes lit up with hope and eagerness to learn, their smiles never faded, and their spirits stayed unbreakable.

This school charges no tuition fees; it depends entirely on donations and selfless volunteers. The dedication of the staff and the resilience of these children touched my heart profoundly—it is a memory I carry with me every day. I believe these kids deserve every chance we can give them to succeed and dream big.

I am also an ultra-distance trail runner, driven by the belief that every step can break barriers and open horizons. Through running, I aim to connect worlds—making distances shorter and dreams closer. I’ve taken part in fundraising events like the OXFAM Trailwalker 2024 (a grueling 100 km trail walk in my hometown, Hong Kong). I also lead youths to discover the joy of trail running, helping them build confidence through events like Trail Race Gilwell 2024 and the Island Scout Trail Walk held by the Scout Association of Hong Kong, where I proudly secured the record-breaking championship in 2024 with my teammates. My running achievements also include the Hong Kong 100 Ultramarathon 2025 golden man award. This reflects not just physical strength but a commitment to challenge limits and inspire others.

Currently, I am studying abroad and seizing the chance to run in iconic international trail races: from the long course of Luxembourg’s Ultra-Trail Mullerthal to the 30-km course of EcoTrail Wicklow in Dublin, and the upcoming MALLORCA BY UTMB - Camins de pedra seca (CPS) 2025 (102 KM; 3600 MT+) in Spain. I also undertake personal mini-challenges like running between Tseung Kwan O and Tai Po, and between Amsterdam and Utrecht.

For this fundraising, I am committing to cover 160 kilometers along the Camino Portugués pilgrimage route in just four days. The money raised will be split equally: half to cover my essential challenge expenses (transport, accommodation, food, and luggage delivery), and half will directly support a New Hope of Children Association to improve basic facilities—such as installing air conditioning and computers to create a better learning environment.

Challenge Brief

Dates: October 18–21, starting at 7:30 a.m. GMT+2 (GMT+1 on the first day)

Route: From Ponte de Lima to Tui, then onward through Pontevedra, Vilanova de Arousa, a boat ride to Pontecesures, onto Padrón, and finally finishing in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 1: Ponte de Lima → Tui (38 km)

Day 2: Tui → Pontevedra (52 km)

Day 3: Pontevedra → Vilanova de Arousa (44 km)

Day 4: Vilanova de Arousa → Santiago de Compostela (55 km, including 28 km by boat)

Every kilometre I run will carry the hopes of those children who dream of learning and a brighter future. Your support can help turn their dreams into reality. Thank you for standing with me and these amazing kids on this journey.