The son of the couple once tried to persuade them to stop serving the patients, worrying the tiring works would affect their health. But the couple insisted that "helping the patients made them happy".

Wan and Xiong know well the hardships of families with cancer patients, which exhaust their energy, strength and money bit by bit in the prolonged process of medical treatment.

"Many of those coming here are cancer patients and their families who are going through tough times," said Wan.

They hope the food cooked in the "cancer kitchen" could provide some comfort to those suffering physically and help relieve some financial burden on their families.

"We can save some money by cooking here, and the nutrition is better," said Fang Zhihong, whose wife is receiving treatment for liver and lymphoma cancers.

Every year, nearly 10,000 people cook in the "cancer kitchen". 

Many of them become friends with the couple. Some come to say goodbye when they leave.

A man in his 50s once spent three years in the cancer hospital, and he talked with Wan in the "cancer kitchen" every day. Later, when the man's conditions worsened, he was told to go back home. Before leaving, he insisted seeing Wan. And the two hugged each other and cried.