Some 1,500 people in an auditorium in Guangzhou yesterday were deeply moved by the tale of the late singer-philanthropist Cong Fei as recounted by Cong's wife Xing Dan and two others at a report meeting organized by the publicity department of the provincial commettee of the CPC.

The report meeting will also take the three reporters to Beijing.

The applause never stopped during the 20-minute speech by Xing, who narrated incidents from Cong's life and described the true extent of her feelings about being married to a role-model for socrety.

"I am so honored to be his wife. I would never regret having married Cong, who arguably was seen by some people as insane or stupid," Xing told the audience.

Cong died of stomach cancer at the age of 39 on April 20.

Xing said she hadn't been willing to be a speaker initially, because she was felt too sad when recalling her time spent with Cong. Xing changed her mind considering the importance of the event. "I am aware that I bear the responsibility to let more people know his good deeds, and encourage more people to learn from his selfless spirit."

Over a period of 11 years, Cong donated 3 million yuan (US$375,000) to 178 impoverished students in mountainous areas. Cong told his wife more than once to donate his corneas after his death. Cong owed 170,000 yuan in debts when he died, and left an eight-month-old daughter with his wife.

"I will carry on the cause Cong left me, continuing to help people who need help. I will bring up our daughter letting her know that she is lucky to have such a great father," Xing said at the end of her speech, which aroused thunderous applauses.

Editor: Donald