Lifeline Express was established by the Better Hong Kong Foundation. The Express is a three-carriage hospital train that began its journey on July 1, 1997, traveling from Hong Kong to poor and remote areas of mainland China to provide free operations for cataract patients. The second and third Lifeline Express trains departed at the end of 1999 and early 2003, respectively. Together, the three hospital trains carrying medical staff and supplies have traveled extensively to poor and remote areas and helped cataract sufferers to regain their eyesight. Li Ka-shing's donations made from June 1997 to December 1998 will help restore eyesight to cataract sufferers and help them regain confidence and give them a chance to live a full and meaningful life.