But Hu, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby, was so determined to learn, that she taught herself to read and write by getting hold of a television and watching and learning from the subtitles after she was unable to find a place in a school, or even a computer.
ADVERTISEMENT
A Disabled Woman Writes A Novel With Her Left Foot
A 21 year old, Hu Huiyuan, who grew up in Anhui province, a rural area in eastern China, where children without disability struggle to get a good formal education has written a 60,000 word fiction novel - using just her toes.
ADVERTISEMENT
The young woman who was diagnosed when she was 10 months old could only move her left foot has managed to type 20 to 30 words a minute, and has finished the sixth chapter of the eight chapter book.
Her proud parents Peng, 49, and wife Sun, 47, say her entire life story has been about defying the odds.
During an interview with the local TV Peng said: "When she was born the doctors said that she would not survive more than a few days, but she did, they didn't know what was wrong with her at first but 10 months later they told us it was cerebral palsy. About the only thing she could really move was her head and her foot, but she was incredibly determined. She eventually learned to do all sorts of everyday tasks using just her foot."
ADVERTISEMENT
Hu who have determined not to make her disability her weakness has proven if you focused and stay patient you shall surely conquer your fears and obstacle to achieve your dreams
In her last words she said "I teach myself. I'm so fascinated by the opportunities being able to read presents and being able to write allows me to communicate with so many more people, I’m not a genius but I’m very focused. When you have a disability like this, you have to learn patience."
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh