Reach for Rainbow 2026 - More Than a Climb: How One Family Turned Steps into Support

When Hanyong signed up for Climb for Rainbows 2025 with his wife, April, and their two daughters, aged 11 and 14, the family wasn't chasing personal records or looking for the next big adventure. 

Instead, they wanted to spend time together while supporting a meaningful cause. 

"It was through Siang Loong, Executive Director of Club Rainbow (Singapore), that we first heard about the event and decided to take part. We wanted to join a meaningful and fun family event together," Hanyong shared. "We simply wanted to do our little part to spread awareness of Club Rainbow among our friends and contribute in whatever way we could." 

While they were excited about the challenge ahead, Hanyong is quick to point out that the spotlight should not be on participants like himself. 

"The real heroes behind Club Rainbow are the staff and caregivers supporting these little warriors, who face daily battles every single day." 

From "BC" Days to Climb Day 

For Hanyong and April, outdoor adventures were once a regular part of life. 

"April and I used to trek in the past, what we now fondly call our 'BC' days — Before Children!" he joked. 

Those trekking days may have been behind them, but the family was determined to prepare for their first Climb for Rainbows. Their training plan was simple: climbing the stairs of HDB blocks near their home. 

"To prepare for what seemed like a straightforward 31-storey climb — which is anything but! — we trained by climbing the stairs near our home. We didn't want our two girls dragging us up on the day of the event!" 

But on the morning of the climb, the family faced an unexpected setback. April was unwell and unable to participate. 

"Unfortunately, April was unwell on the day itself and was unable to join us. We decided to go ahead anyway with just me and my two daughters." 

One Step at a Time 

As Hanyong and his daughters began their ascent, they quickly realised this was no ordinary stair climb. 

"The climb was humid, and each level felt more like two to three storeys of a normal HDB flat. There were moments when our legs were screaming at us to stop," he recalled. 

There were moments when exhaustion crept in and every step felt heavier than the last. Still, they kept moving. 

"After a brief moment of stopping, we just continued, one step at a time." 

Helping them push through were the volunteers stationed throughout the route. 

"The encouragements from the volunteers every few levels kept us going. Thank you, volunteers!" 

Their cheers, smiles and words of encouragement reminded participants that they were part of something bigger than themselves. 

A Different Perspective 

When the trio finally reached the top, they were greeted by a welcome breeze and cheers from organisers and volunteers. 

Unlike the dramatic finish line moments often seen in sporting events, Hanyong remembers something quieter. 

"There was no dramatic moment of exhilaration as we were simply too exhausted for that. Just a quiet, deep relief that we had made it. We didn't even think to track our time. Finishing was the only goal we had set for ourselves, and that was enough." 

Still, one thought lingered. 

"Our only wish was that April could have been there with us." 

Yet the climb left Hanyong with something more valuable than a sense of accomplishment. 

"Although the climb was tough, it was still temporary. We always knew there was an endpoint: the 31st storey. For the children that Club Rainbow supports, their daily challenges are many times harder, and for some of them, there may not be a clear endpoint in sight." 

That thought stayed with him throughout the climb. 

"It put everything in perspective." 

Every Donation Makes a Difference 

Beyond the climb itself, Hanyong was deeply encouraged by the response from family and friends when he shared Club Rainbow's mission and fundraising efforts. 

"The response was heartwarming and enthusiastic." 

To everyone who donated and supported the family's climb, he has a heartfelt message. 

"Thank you so much. Your generosity means a great deal, not just to us, but to the children and families that Club Rainbow serves." 

Take the First Step 

For anyone considering joining Climb for Rainbows for the first time, Hanyong has simple advice. 

"Just sign up. You don't need to be an athlete or a seasoned hiker. We trained simply by climbing the stairs of HDB flats near our home — nothing fancy. The climb is challenging, but very manageable, and every step you take means something far bigger than the 31 storeys you climb. The volunteers will cheer you on, the view at the top is worth it, and most importantly, you'll be doing your part for children who face challenges far greater than any staircase." 

This year, Hanyong hopes more people will step forward to climb, fundraise and support Club Rainbow's children and families. 

Take the first step today. Sign up, start fundraising, or make a donation to support our children with chronic illnesses and their families at reachforrainbow.org. Together, we can help every child climb towards a brighter future. 

About Club Rainbow (Singapore)  

Established in 1992, Club Rainbow (Singapore) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children with chronic illnesses, many of whom have disabilities and special needs, and their families. Anchored in our commitment to empowering individuals to lead dignified lives and become active contributors to society, Club Rainbow delivers more than 30 critical programmes, services, and assistance schemes to support our children and their family members.  

Website: https://www.clubrainbow.org/   

Contact number: 6377 1789  

Email: contact@clubrainbow.org  

Facebook/ Instagram/ TikTok/ LinkedIn/ YouTube: @clubrainbowsingapore