A father's naked love

Short of money, a 47-year-old father took off his clothes and posed nude at an art studio in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, to raise money for his children's medical expenses, Henan Business Daily reported on Wednesday.

Zhao Changyong, a 47-year-old farmer, poses nakedly as a nude model before a female painter at an art studio in Zhengzhou city, Central China’s Henan province on April 16, 2013. [Photo/CFP]

Zhao Changyong, a farmer who had never heard of nude modeling before, jumped at the opportunity when he saw a notice asking for a part-time model. He received 100 yuan ($16.19) for one hour's work.

"I don't know what art is. But I would take any chance to make money as long as it is legal," Zhao told the newspaper.

Zhao said he has a son and a daughter, both of whom have been diagnosed with serious diseases. His son, now 22, was diagnosed with secondary aplastic anemia at the age of 11. His daughter was diagnosed with leukemia five years ago.

Though heavily burdened by the pressure to earn money for his children's treatment — he had already spent over 600,000 yuan - Zhao said he will not give up, even though a doctor had told him in early April that his daughter was basically cured.

"I'll continue to work. After I find the proper marrow and collect enough money for my son's marrow transplant, the hardship will stop," he was quoted by the newspaper as saying.