Cat Dieu Trong, 44, a farmer from Yang District, Shaanxi province, drove 4 tons of apples to Ham Phong District, Hubei province, on 2/5 to sell them. While selling, he suffered a stroke and was rushed to Ham Phong District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine for emergency treatment.

Cat survived the critical period but required further hospitalization for treatment and rehabilitation. His wife, Luong Le Le, immediately came to care for him upon hearing the news, but as she did not know how to drive, she had to leave the truck full of apples at the hospital.

Residents and medical staff from Ham Phong District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine selling apples in front of the hospital gate. *Photo: iFeng*

As the main breadwinner, Cat supports his elderly and ailing parents and two young children attending school. Aware of his difficult situation, the hospital mobilized its staff to help him sell the apples.

Hospital staff drove the apple truck to the front gate and set up a stall to sell to the public. Each kilogram of apples was priced at 5 yuan (0,6 USD), but many customers paid extra to show their support. Some hospital employees purchased as much as 500 yuan worth of apples, while others brought food for Luong and encouraged her to take care of her health.

Ham Phong Hospital's "apple rescue" effort quickly spread on social media. Within 19 hours, all 4 tons of apples were sold, bringing Cat's family 34.000 yuan (5.000 USD).

"I am incredibly grateful to the people of Ham Phong. The initial investment for these apples was over 20.000 yuan, and if they had spoiled, I don't know how my family would have managed", Cat said from his hospital bed on 6/5.

Luong expressed her deep appreciation for the doctors and nurses who saved her husband's life, as well as for the kind people who helped her family overcome their difficulties. "I have no relatives in Ham Phong, but everyone treated me like family. I will never forget their generosity", she said.

Doctors examining Cat and talking with his wife, Luong, on 6/5. *Photo: iFeng*

In response to Ham Phong District's kindness, the government of Yang District, Cat's hometown, announced that starting 7/5, residents holding household registration in Enshi city, which administers Ham Phong District, would receive free admission to Yang District's tourist attractions for one year.

Applicable attractions include the tomb of Cai Lun, a eunuch from the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220) credited with inventing paper in China, and a conservation forest for the rare crested ibis.

Ham Phong District later reciprocated with a similar policy for residents of Yang District. One of Ham Phong's most famous tourist attractions is Tusi Tangya Ancient City, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage site.

"I was very moved when I read this story. The hospital and government in Hubei did an excellent job spreading this initiative throughout the district. Thank you for your loving hearts", a Chinese netizen commented.

Hong Hanh (According to SCMP, Xinhua)