Today we learn of the extraordinary strength of a young girl and her adoptive mother, facing hardship and poverty following illness.

Meng Peijie was born in Sha'anxi Province in 1991. When her father died in a car accident in 1996, her mother decided to give her up for adoption.

Liu Fangying was a social worker back then, and she decided to adopt the five year old girl.There were three years of happiness, until the day Liu feel sick. She became completely paralysed and her husband left the household, never to return.

In despair, Liu attempted to commit suicide. She saved-up her pain-killers, hiding them under a pillow.But her adopted daughter found the pills and destroyed them. She was but eight years old at the time.

Liu Fanying, Meng Peijie's adoptive mother, said "She found my pills and held me and cried. She said, don't die mummy, you're the only one who cares for me. You and I make a home."

Liu's illness meant roles suddenly changed. Meng began cooking, doing the housework and taking care of her new mother.

Liu said "She was short then and had to stand on a footstool to reach the cooker. I can't remember how many times she fell off the footstool. She was only eight, she didn't know how to cook, she had to learn by herself."

Meng Peijie said "I'd rather go hungry as long as my mother can eat properly. I think my mother would do the same for me if I were the one paralysed."Liu's meagre retirement is their sole source of income and Meng has no money for herself.

Liu Fangying said "I asked her, do you feel life with me is bitter?"

Meng Peijie answered "No, as long as my mother loves me."

Liu Fanying said "I wish to thank her natural mother for giving me such a good daughter."

Today, Meng Peijie's life has improved and things are looking better.In 2009, she was accepted at Shanxi Normal University. She rented a house near campus, and arranged her mother to live there with her.

A year later, a local hospital offered Liu free residential treatment. Half a year later, Liu can get out of the bed on her own and move around on a wheelchair.

Meng Peiji said "I think people should always move on. We'll never see sunshine in the future if we don't get rid ourselves of misery past."Meng's new goal is to help her mother stand up one day. Every day, she helps her mother exercise and massages her legs.

For more than 10 years, Meng has been giving her selfless love to her adopted mother and she found joy and love.