A Chinese father who stole to pay for his son’s cancer treatment was still behind bars when the nine-year-old boy died.
The boy, who wanted to stay close to his father, had his wish granted. His ashes were scattered in Jingyuetan Lake, near the prison where his father was being held.
Desperate Father Steals Copper to Cover Son’s Leukaemia Costs
Yu Haibo, 29, grew up in a farming family in China’s northeastern Jilin province. He dropped out of school as a teenager and later worked as a chef and a welder.
Before turning 20, he married his girlfriend Zhang Mingyu.
Their son Jiayue was born in 2014. Yu worked at a car factory, earning just over 2,000 yuan (~SGD$380) per month.
Zhang stayed home to care for their child.
At the age of three, Jiayue fell down some stairs. While receiving treatment for his injuries, doctors diagnosed him with leukaemia.
“I could not believe it. I was ready to give up everything to save him,” Yu told Jiupai News.
The family relocated to Tianjin for Jiayue’s treatment. Yu took on multiple jobs, sold their home, and borrowed money to cover the medical costs.
After two years, Jiayue’s condition stabilised.
In April 2021, doctors recommended treatment costing tens of thousands of yuan. However, the Covid-19 pandemic had left Yu without income.
A friend told Yu that copper from roadside transformers could be sold for money. Yu stole more than 20 transformers and sold the copper for approximately 30,000 yuan (~SGD$5,700).
Two months later, he was arrested. He received a four-year prison sentence.
“I did not know it was illegal. I was desperate,” Yu said.
Son Dies During Father’s Prison Term
Zhang worked multiple jobs while caring for Jiayue. In January 2023, doctors informed the family that the cancer had returned.
Prison officers and inmates raised more than 70,000 yuan (~SGD$13,300) for Jiayue’s treatment. In June 2023, Yu received permission to visit his son in hospital.
Jiayue was bedridden, pale and frail. “Dad, did you eat breakfast? What did you have?” he asked. Too weak to continue, he lay in silence as Yu wept beside him.
As the visit ended, Jiayue told his father: “Dad, be good in prison. You can go now, the police are waiting.”
One month later, the nine-year-old died.
Yu’s father informed him that Jiayue’s ashes had been scattered in Jingyuetan Lake near the prison. The boy wanted to stay close to his father.
Jiayue’s final message was: “Dad, after you are out, do not think about me too much. If you miss me, just visit the lake. I will always be there.”
Released Father Visits Lake Where Son’s Ashes Rest
Yu was released in November 2024 following a sentence reduction. Since his release, he has visited the lake every two weeks.
He now survives on odd jobs and has created a social media account to share his experiences. The account has gained around 80,000 followers.
On Father’s Day, 15 Jun 2025, Yu brought toys, cake and flowers to the lake.
His story has resonated with many people on mainland social media platforms.
One person commented: “You may not be a good citizen, but you are a great father.”
Another said: “Yu now understands the importance of obeying the law. He deserves more compassion and support from society.”
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
