One Force, One Caring Culture
Sergeant fights off cancer with Force support
Fighting cancer
with perseverance
SGT Mok was diagnosed to be suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in 2005 at the prime age of 35 when he was attached to Narcotics Bureau. After promotion to Sergeant in 2003, he had high hopes for his career and family, but after the diagnosis, mixed feelings of shock, resistance, fear and anger set in. Subsequently he received electrotherapy and chemotherapy, and practised Chinese "qi-gong". In May 2006, he returned to work after his health condition had become stable.
In 2007, SGT Mok's cancer relapsed and spread to the bones. After exhausting all his savings in seeking treatment in Japan, his condition showed signs of improvement. Unfortunately in 2009, he was hit by another relapse, but with courage and a positive attitude, he won the battle with chemotherapy. The treatment, however, adversely affected his ability to speak and eat, hearing of his left ear, and movement of the right hand. Taking medicine and dietary supplements, his condition gradually stabilised.
Waiting
for substantive promotion
After the relapse of cancer, SGT Mok was listed as a Health Impaired Officer (HIO) in 2010 so that suitable posting arrangements could be made for him. Subsequently, he was transferred from Tai Po District to Wong Tai Sin District.
He has a passion for police work, always very willing to share with colleagues his experience of dangerous drug investigations and guide and teach younger officers. He always maintains: "I'm sick but by no means a sick person." With this conviction, he is convinced that he can show his potential at various postings. Therefore after resuming duty, he devoted himself to the job of an investigation team. "No matter how big or small a case may be, I deal with it seriously. I've not handled less cases because of my impaired health."
His recommended promotion to Station Sergeant indicates that his initiative, devotion to duties and perseverance are recognised, but he modestly puts it to sheer luck. He knows very well opportunities are always for those who are ready.
SGT Mok also appreciates that the Force is a fair, just and impartial organisation, and would not hinder any officer's career development simply on the grounds of impaired health and physical disabilities. On the contrary, it offers all officers equal opportunities for career development and promotion as long as they are dedicated to their job and have a duty commitment.
Expressing
gratitude
SGT Mok experienced the lowest ebb in his life when he was ill, suffered from relapse of cancer and separated from his wife, and his career appeared to be coming to an end. Fortunately his girl friend took good care of him and his daughter, giving him the will to carry on.
SGT Mok is grateful to his senior officers for their care and support. The posting arrangement made for him by former Personnel Services and Staff Relations Branch Chief Superintendent Evelyn Lam and Wong Tai Sin District Commander David Gunton was a big help for his recovery. He also thanks the Welfare Services Group for helping with his fight against cancer, finance, living quarters and emotional management service. In addition, he is equally thankful to former Tai Po District Commander and incumbent CSP PS&SR Bernie So for his continuing care and support.
From the hardship he has overcome, SGT Mok appreciates that he must face life with a positive outlook, cherish life and never give up. To those who have offered so much help and support, he pledges "to stay positive every day in order to pay back the Force and society".
Working as volunteer
In Wong Tai Sin District, SGT Mok is working under the "Pillar Scheme", which is aimed at taking care of HIOs and making appropriate posting arrangements for them in the District. He enjoys this job and does his best to get it done. In his spare time, he shares his experience by working as a volunteer worker of the Cancer Patients' Self-help Group coordinated by the Welfare Services Group. He visits and cheers up cancer patients and shares with them the experience of his fight against cancer. He has vowed to do his utmost to help his colleagues in line with the spirit of "One Force, One Caring Culture".
SGT
Mok handles no less case despite his previous setback