[Photo/China Daily]

There was no other choice but to amputate it. From then on, she has had to rely on a crutch and wheelchair, and she couldn't go back to school.

"That was the darkest day of my life. I had to endure the pain, emotionally and physically, from dawn to dusk."

After a long time spent grieving and suffering, she decided to get on with her life again. She became an assistant helping disabled people in the Jiangjiadun community, and gradually became more confident and developed a stronger character.

As she is now devoted to her job of helping disabled people in the community, Du keeps learning. In 2012, she passed the exams necessary to become a qualified psychological consultant and also those required to become a junior social-work assistant.

From Du's perspective, not only did the exams expand her knowledge, they also boosted her job performance as she is now better able to solve problems more professionally.

Wu Yuanmei, deputy secretary of Jiangjiadun's community work office, says that Du is a "loving angel", as she is always smiling and confident.

"I am really glad that I can embrace this opportunity, and I can bring light to people who are living in the dark. I will keep trying to deliver love and hope," says Du.