Dad's app to help bereaved parents

A father who lost his only child almost a decade ago has developed a smartphone app that links bereaved parents with volunteers offering emotional support or help with everyday tasks.

Li Gan started working on Love Hula Hoop last year and said the app should be available to download on Apple and Android devices as early as October.

The 49-year-old customs officer lost his 4-month-old son in 2008 to an acute illness that doctors were unable to diagnose. Since then, he has offered support to other bereaved parents, setting up an NGO and hotlines, and organizing home visits and get-togethers. His efforts are mainly aimed at helping parents who have lost their only child.