China News Service, Enshi, February 4th (Yao Zhenfa, Chen Qian'en, Du Dina) - A sixty-year-old man from Xianfeng County in Hubei Province suffered from an illness for three years without recovery. To save money to support his two grandchildren's education, he abandoned treatment and committed suicide by drinking pesticide. Before passing away, he left a final message, hoping that his grandchildren would study hard and become successful through education.
In the early hours of February 2nd, Chen Qiaoyun, a farmer from Yecha Village in Huolongping Township, Xianfeng County, Hubei Province, was awakened by her father-in-law Pan Qihou's groans. When Chen Qiaoyun went to Pan Qihou's bedside, with tears in his eyes, Pan Qihou told Chen Qiaoyun, "My illness cannot be cured... I've caused you trouble these past few years... Now the children (grandchildren) are still young, don't spend more money on me. Use the money meant for my treatment to let the grandchildren continue their studies, and hope they can become successful." After finishing his words, Pan Qihou passed away. Chen Qiaoyun found an empty pesticide bottle beside the bed, realizing that her father-in-law had taken his own life by drinking pesticide.
Pan Qihou was 67 years old, and his wife had passed away many years ago. In July 2008, Pan Qihou was diagnosed with malignant tumor. Despite extensive treatments, his condition did not improve. Chen Qiaoyun's husband, Pan Zhongxiang, was Pan Qihou's youngest son. In 2011, Pan Zhongxiang fell ill with liver disease and sought treatment at various hospitals, accumulating a mountain of debt before passing away on November 7, 2011. Subsequently, Chen Qiaoyun took care of her 15-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter while living together with Pan Qihou.
The consecutive disasters drained all of Chen Qiaoyun’s family savings of over 60,000 yuan and left them with debts amounting to 140,000 yuan, making even basic necessities like firewood, rice, oil, and salt problematic. Neighbors and relatives extended their helping hands, but it was still impossible to cover the huge medical expenses.
According to Qin Xingkuan, the Party Secretary of Yecha Village in Huolongping Township, Xianfeng County, since Pan Qihou's eldest son, Pan Zhongming, could not be reached as he worked outside, and Chen Qiaoyun lacked the ability to arrange for the elder's funeral, the village is currently organizing donations from villagers to assist in handling his posthumous affairs. (End)