Upon learning that his son, Haohao, would need to travel to Beijing from his native Nanchong in order to receive expensive treatment, his devastated father set about raising funds for his son's journey.
As well as receiving donations from a number of organisation, stunned onlookers felt compelled to donate when they realised Haohao's father had established himself as a human punchbag outside a busy subway station in the hope commuters would avail of the opportunity and donate to his son's cause.
Wearing a sweater which outlined his plight, Xia Jun invited passersby to take a swing at him if they agreed to donate £1 to the cost of his son's treatment.
Despite raising a staggering £84,390 which meant his son could undergo chemotherapy treatment, Xia Jun was dealt a devastating blow when he learned his Haohao's body rejected the treatment, meaning he now has just weeks to live.
Resigned to the fact that his son is unlikely to make miraculous recovery, Mr. Xia said: "I decided that I wanted to allow my son to enjoy his final days in happiness. Now I will do everything in my ability and use all my time to be with him."
Our thoughts go out to HaoHao and his family at this devastating time.
