A Chinese woman has successfully woken her husband from a seven-year coma by nibbling and sucking on his toes. Song Mei, 45, from Henan province, had spent years trying various methods to stimulate her husband Zhao Jinqian, who fell into a coma after a heroic rescue attempt.
The Accident
In October 2019, Zhao climbed onto a warehouse roof to rescue a three-year-old child who had become stuck, according to the South China Morning Post. During the rescue, Zhao fell approximately six metres (20 feet), using his body as a shield to protect the child. The child survived without serious injury, but Zhao landed on his head, suffering multiple fractures and severe brain damage.
Wife's Devotion
Song Mei gave up her job as a kindergarten art teacher and spent the couple's life savings on Zhao's treatment. She also sold her paintings online to raise funds. The father of the rescued boy contributed around 45,000 yuan (£5,000) to help with medical costs.
Song tried numerous methods to wake her husband, including chatting, singing, and sleeping only four hours a day to spend more time with him. She also attempted oral stimulation on his fingers and toes, believing it might activate nerve endings.
Breakthrough
In 2024, during a session of toe nibbling, Zhao showed signs of movement. On June 30, 2026, he reportedly responded by saying, 'Song Mei, I love you,' and exhibited further movement. Zhao is now out of the coma and in recovery.
Song wrote on social media: 'Everyone says the road ahead is difficult, but husband and wife are meant to weather hardship together. I do not know the best cure, but I am willing to keep going through all the long years.'
