Chinese Student Develops Lasting Bond with Elderly Londoner, Taking on the Role of His Caregiver

In 1999, a young man known as Song Yang arrived in London to pursue his studies. Journeying from Zhengzhou, China, the 19-year-old found himself solitary in an unfamiliar land. A fortuitous meeting altered his life when he assisted an elderly gentleman, Johann “Hans” Hodel, with his bags on a subway. Hodel, a 66-year-old Swiss retiree without family, offered Song a place in his home, which was in disarray. In appreciation, Song organized the space and prepared meals, creating an arrangement that allowed him to reside rent-free in exchange for household chores. This initiated a profound friendship, with Hodel aiding Song in adjusting to life in the UK and supporting him during a vehicular mishap. After Song completed his studies and returned to China, Hodel’s health deteriorated, requiring immediate medical attention. Song brought him to China for treatment, where Hodel formed a bond with Song’s family and taught English to local children. Although Hodel passed away in 2013, the friendship profoundly influenced Song and his family.