A street cleaner in China who tied a string from the wrist of her mentally disabled son to her own while she worked has gained significant attention on mainland social media.
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However, this new-found fame has disrupted her life, as online influencers have flocked to film her, with many inquiring about the donations she has received, according to Fujian TV.
In early July, a video clip captured by a pedestrian, featuring a female street cleaner and her son near a popular tourist site in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, went viral during a heatwave that saw temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius.
“This is a mother and son. One hand holds the broom that sustains her livelihood, while the other holds her son,” the passer-by captioned in the video.
The mother’s identity has not been disclosed. However, an acquaintance, surnamed Wang, revealed that she is in her 50s, and her son, in his 30s, has mental disabilities.
“She has to bring her son to work because she cannot afford to hire someone to care for him. The string helps keep him safe, preventing him from wandering into traffic or colliding with pedestrians,” Wang explained to the media.
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“Now, many people are approaching her, asking about the donation amounts she’s received. This has led her to consider changing jobs,” she added.
