Lifelong volunteer's body donated to help others

When Qi Hongbo, a dedicated member of a rescue team and an enthusiastic volunteer for public welfare, died at the age of 47 on May 31, his family made a significant decision to donate his body in order to help more people.

Qi, who worked as a truck driver in Linzi district of Zibo city in East China's Shandong province, also served as a deputy leader of a rescue team in Zibo. Throughout his life, he had been committed to public service.

In the eyes of his wife Chang Li, Qi always eagerly volunteered whenever there was a call for help. He devoted almost all of his free time to voluntary service.

In August 2021, when a sudden flood hit Henan province, Qi, together with his team members, rushed to Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan province, to assist with rescuing people and draining floodwater. Then again in December 2023 when a powerful earthquake struck Jishishan county in Gansu province, he and his team immediately responded to disaster relief efforts.

According to Liu Dong, the leader of the rescue team, Qi kept his mobile phone on for 24 hours so that he could respond promptly whenever needed. "He even took his son along with him for volunteering activities. Under the influence of Qi, his son also became an excellent rescue team member," Liu said.

However, no one anticipated that Qi would lose his life in the volunteer service he loved. On the afternoon of May 24, Qi fainted while volunteering for security patrol services at Taigong Lake in Linzi district of Zibo. When he fell, he hit his head on a stone bench, causing him to lose consciousness immediately. Despite emergency medical aid, he did not regain consciousness and was diagnosed brain dead.

In the midst of profound despair, his wife and son made a difficult but great decision to donate Qi's liver, kidneys, corneas, and other organs.

"My father always expressed his desire to save more people. My mother and I will fulfill his wish for him," said Qi Han, the son of Qi Hongbo.

As a rescue member, Qi saved numerous lives during his lifetime. Even after his death, his donation will continue to bring hope to three critically ill patients and restore sight of at least two blind people. His noble actions and selfless love deserve respect and remembrance, said an organ donation coordinator from Shandong Provincial Hospital.