Xiang Hua (left) proposes to boyfriend Li Zhen in a hospital in Changsha, Hunan Province on July 17. Li was diagnosed with leukemia. Photo: CFP

Patients and medical staff at a hospital in Changsha, Hunan Province applauded as a young woman proposed to her boyfriend while he received treatment for acute leukemia, Xinhua reported Wednesday.

It was an emotional scene at Xiangya Hospital as Xiang Hua, 24,  dressed in a wedding gown, proposed to her college sweetheart, Li Zhen, who was diagnosed with the fatal illness in late June.

Xiang has poured her life savings to cover Li's treatment over the past month, who she met while studying in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.

"He used to stand by my side all the time," Xiang said, "now it's my turn."

In order to better care for Li, the new fiancée rented an apartment 30 minutes away from the hospital by foot.

Li explained his family already treats Xiang as his wedded bride.

"My biggest dream is to see her in a wedding dress and posing for wedding photos, even if I'm not able to be in the pictures with her."

Xinhua