Old man gets help to raise mentally-ill family

Dantri readers have donated to help an elderly man in Hai Duong Province who looks after three mentally-ill members family members.

Dantri readers have donated to help an elderly man in Hai Duong Province who looks after three mentally-ill members family members.

  

Le Van Sy's family

86-year-old Le Van Sy and his wife have for years been chased and attacked by their third son who has mental illness. Sy has four children but two of them are mentally ill and one of his children died a long time ago. Sy's youngest son is a worker in Quang Ninh Province. Due to poverty, he can only rarely visit.

"Our third son is Sang. Some years ago, he only chased and hit strangers. But recently, he started hitting us too, especially when he is hungry," Sy said. "Our health has deteriorated now. My wife's back is bad too so we have to be aware to close the door tightly. We only go to our son when we have food or accompanied by strong people."

Since Sy's family is poor, it's not rare to see his son chasing him nowadays.

Sy's oldest son married and had two daughters and one son. Unfortunately, his son is also mentally ill and one of his daughters died at six years old.

  

Le Van Sy's family receives the donation

Sy said he was happy after getting help from kind people.

"My wife's coat was sent from the south," he said. "Several people from Hanoi visited us and helped bathe two of my sons and gave them a haircut. They said they would visit us again and will give all of us a haircut."

Dantri representative gave the family VND88,920,000 (USD3,800) donation from readers. Sy was moved upon receiving the donation and said they were grateful for everything they have received, from the encouragements to the clothes.

"I don't know what to say. After having enough food, my son hasn't chased us as much as before. I had never had VND1m in my life. I thought I was dreaming. We'll use the money wisely," Sy said.