Renowned Chinese respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan has extended an invitation to Zhang Guimei, 64, the founder and principal of the first free high school for girls in China, to receive medical treatment for her serious illnesses in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

Zhang, who is also a recipient of the July 1 Medal — the Communist Party of China's highest honor — established Huaping Girls High School in Lijiang, Yunnan province, offering free education to girls from a less-developed area. She has helped nearly 2,000 girls enroll in college, though she herself is afflicted with respiratory illness.

The son of respiratory expert Zhong is also a doctor — Zhong Weide. He extended the invitation on behalf of his well-known father at the premiere of a dance drama in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, earlier this month. The show is based on Zhang's story.

"My father is a medical worker and an educator. From this performance, I feel the fearless perseverance and enduring love of Ms Zhang Guimei, who has brought hope to children in the mountainous region of Yunnan," Zhong Weide said.

"I sincerely invite Ms Zhang Guimei to receive treatment in Guangzhou. We would like to do our small part for the health of this role model, using advanced respiratory treatment technologies."