S'pore man, 52, sole breadwinner of family of 8, bedridden after 2011 stroke, dies 14 years later

After suffering a stroke in 2011, a father of six was left partially paralysed and unable to work, leaving his family without their sole source of income.

To get by, they relied on the kindness of strangers.

Some 14 years later, the 52-year-old man passed away on Oct. 7, narrowly missing out on fulfilling his lifelong wish of seeing his children don graduation gowns early next year.

He leaves behind his 51-year-old wife and six children.

Was a delivery driver

The deceased, Mei Yuanwei (transliteration), worked as a delivery driver for a hardware store, according to Shin Min Daily News.

His wife, 51-year-old Lin Meifang (transliteration), and six children relied on him as the sole breadwinner.

In August 2011, the man underwent a procedure to treat a blocked artery.

All was well until 24 hours later, when he suffered a life-changing stroke.

He had to go under the knife and remove parts of his brain, which left him paralysed on the left side of his body.

He would be bedridden from then on.

Family took turns caring for father

Mei-Wang Yongling (transliteration), 20, the man's third child, shared that her mother and a few of her siblings would take turns looking after their father's daily needs.

For example, she would help take his father's blood pressure and blood sugar readings.

"He used to be able to get up for showers on his own, but as time went by and after being bedridden for so long, he gained some weight of late," the daughter said.

"In the past, I used to be able to shift him around on my own, but now I'll need help from others," she added.

Despite it all, Mei would still insist on feeding himself even when he lacked appetite.

To make ends meet, they relied on the support of their family and friends, as well as on financial assistance schemes.

Condition worsened

Yongling shared that her father appeared unwell on Oct. 3 and had low oxygen readings.

He was sent to the hospital on the advice of their family doctor.

He was diagnosed with pneumonia.

He succumbed to his condition on Oct. 7, according to Shin Min.

Speaking to the press, the distraught wife shared that they have no plans yet following her husband's passing.

She lamented that she had lost a partner she could confide in, but believed time would heal.

Almost fulfilled a lifelong wish

According to Yongling, it was her father's lifelong wish to see his kids don graduation gowns.

She recalled how her father would counsel her and her siblings against skipping classes as they were growing up.

Yongling and her older sister are now studying at Nanyang Polytechnic and will graduate early next year.

Mei Weiming, 19, the fourth child, said he had a quarrel with his father three years ago and they made up with a hug.

He shared that the affectionate moment was a rarity and he will not experience moments like this again.

Family thanked public for kindness

Mei's family expressed gratitude for the many people who reached out after news of Mei's circumstances was reported in 2011.

Apart from monetary and material assistance, some organisations also offered free tuition for the children, Shin Min wrote.

An aunt, who is the older sister of the deceased, was credited for helping the family with daily necessities throughout the years.

The aunt also thanked kind-hearted strangers who provided support for her younger brother when he was alive, according to Shin Min.

Weiming added that while it was hard to let go, his father's passing also meant that he was now free from suffering.

Top image via Shin Min Daily News