A poor family in Nghe An Province has been struggling to cope after four of five children were found to suffer a mental illness.

Ngo Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Ba had their first son, Ngo Van Tien, in 1986. But happiness did not last long when Tien fell ill. They brought Tien to hospitals but the doctors were unable to cure him.

"He was so lovely when he was born. But it started when he was about two-and-a-half year's old. Tien would destroy everything in the house and attack anyone who come near," Thuy said.

They had four more children, but three of them were also found to have the same illness as Tien. The symptoms started as the children turned one. They are unable to talk, go to toilet or eat like other children.

Ngo Van Hung (left), Ngo Thanh Thuy (middle) and Ngo Van Toan (right)

Ngo Van Toan, who is now 21, has the most serious symptoms. He cannot control his rage or recognise his parents. He often tries to destroy furniture when he has a fit. Meanwhile, the youngest son is wholly dependant on his mother for feeding and care.

"Because he eats so little, I have to feed him four to six times a day. He always clings to me," Ba said.

Ngo Thanh Thuy (left) and 21-year-old Ngo Van Toan

Without money, Thuy and his wife must leave their children at home alone while they go to work. Their second son died after he wandered away from the house, fell in a lake, and drowned. Since then, Thuy has to lock the children in a wood storage room whenever they go to work.

"At first, they screamed and cried so I couldn't bear to lock them up. I want to stay home with them but then we'd all die of hunger," Ba said.

Thuy has to lock up his children to go to work

The health of their first son has shown recent improvement and he has learned how to lay bricks, bringing in more income for the family. But Thuy's own health is deteriorating because of arthritis, and the family relies on Ba to bring in enough money for them to survive.

If you can help them, please donate through:

1. Code 1679: Ngo Thanh Thuy from Yen Hoi Village, Do Thanh Commune, Yen Thanh District, Nghe An Province.

Tel: 01632.828.781

2. Compassionate Hearts Charity Fund – Dan tri Newspaper (Hanoi).

No. 2/48 Giang Vo Str., Dong Da Dist., HanoiTel: 04. 3. 7366.491/ Fax: 04. 3. 7366.490. Email:quynhanai@dantri.com.vnEmail:

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Account holder: Bao Khuyen hoc & Dan tri
Account number: 045 100 194 4487
With Bank: THE BANK FOR FOREIGN TRADE OF VIETNAM – Thanh Cong Branch

- US Dollar Account information at Vietcombank:
Account holder: Bao Khuyen hoc & Dan tri
Account number: 045 137 195 6482
SWIFT Code: BFTVVNVX
With Bank: THE BANK FOR FOREIGN TRADE OF VIETNAM

- Vietnam Dong Account information at Vietinbank:
Account holder: Bao Khuyen hoc & Dan tri
Account number: 10 201 0000 220 639
With Bank: Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade – Hoan Kiem Branch

- US Dollar Account information at MB Bank:
Account holder: Bao Khuyen hoc & Dan tri
Account number: 0721100357002
SWIFT Code: MSCBVNVX
With Bank: MILITARY COMMERCIAL JOINT STOCK BANK - MCSB ( No.3, Lieu Giai str., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam)

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