Veteran Hong Kong actor Gabriel Harrison issued a public plea earlier this week for financial assistance after his wife, makeup artist Effie Mok, was diagnosed with acute liver cirrhosis requiring an immediate transplant. The 52-year-old’s emotional appeal on social media detailed the escalating medical costs for Mok, who is currently hospitalized in Guangzhou, Mainland China, highlighting the intense financial and emotional pressure facing the family.
Harrison’s initial distress surfaced in a visibly anxious Instagram video released on Tuesday, November 8, captioned “Urgent Liver Transplant Needed.” He disclosed that his wife of eight years was receiving care at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou. The severity of Mok’s condition led to her recent transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). Harrison initially cited a goal of raising HK$1.5 million (approximately S$251,000) for the necessary surgery and related care, stating he had only secured HK$700,000 at the time. The immediacy of the situation compelled him to post the fundraising request, despite anxieties about public perception.
The actor subsequently removed the initial tearful video before offering a detailed clarification on Saturday morning, November 11. Harrison confirmed his wife is suffering from acute liver failure. He explained that after an initial 20-day hospitalization at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong revealed a bleak prognosis, the family, who resides in the Mainland, decided to move her to the specialist facility in Guangzhou for further treatment.
While acknowledging the hospital estimated the surgery cost at roughly HK$500,000 (S$80,000), Harrison stressed that the total financial burden, including ongoing treatment and unforeseen expenses, would surpass HK$1 million (S$160,000). He lamented that the family’s savings had been completely depleted, making the ongoing costs unsustainable. Harrison apologized for the distress caused by his initial, anxiety-driven video, reiterating that he posted it in a moment of extreme helplessness.
The public appeal quickly garnered attention, leading to an outpouring of support from the entertainment industry and the public. Harrison specifically thanked major industry figures for their assistance, including actor Louis Koo (who heads the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild) and TVB General Manager Eric Tsang. While the exact nature of their support—whether financial or logistical—was not detailed, the acknowledgement underscored the critical role of community in such crises.
Mok’s mother, speaking separately at the hospital, emphasized the life-or-death urgency of securing a compatible liver donor, describing the present moment as the “most critical and intense period.” She noted the family’s desire to maintain a low profile while they await notification of a suitable match.
Harrison concluded his update by expressing profound gratitude for the concern and help received, asking the public to continue their prayers for his wife’s recovery. The incident highlights the exorbitant financial strain that catastrophic health conditions place even on prominent individuals, underscoring the universal need for rapid medical and financial support mechanisms in times of acute health crisis. The actor stated that he would share further details only as coordinated with the medical team managing Effie Mok’s complex, day-to-day treatment.