Four migrant workers hailed as heroes after tackling thieves on a local bus have given most of the money they received from grateful residents and businesses to charity.

The men, who were stabbed when they tried to stop a gang stealing women's bags on a bus in Minhang District on January 3, left hospital yesterday.

They were headed for their hometown in Huai'an City, Anhui Province, for the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on February 3.

When it was reported that the have-a-go heroes were struggling to pay their medical bills, local residents and companies donated more than 30,000 yuan (US$4,558).

After using part to pay for their treatment, the group donated 10,000 yuan each to the Shanghai Red Cross and Anhui Red Cross.

The men, Wang Fang, Wang Dong, Zhang Haiyan and Yu Yongfeng, said this was to thank the public for all their support.

The group were honored by the city earlier this month for their heroic act.

Cao Chongjun, an official with Huai'an government who came to Shanghai to escort the four men home, told Shanghai Daily yesterday that they still need about two months to fully recuperate.

However, Cao added that the men would return to Shanghai later.

They will also be honored by their hometown for setting a moral example, said Cao.

Eight suspects have been detained by police in connection with the incident. The gang was said to be 10-strong.

Full recovery

Meanwhile, a milkman who insisted on completing his round last summer despite almost severing a tendon on broken glass was discharged from hospital yesterday.

Jin Yousheng, 42, is said to have made a full recovery following the injury to his right foot and will return to work in early February, after a break in his hometown in Jiangsu Province.

His employer, Shanghai-based Bright Dairy, promised yesterday it will arrange an appropriate position for Jin.

"We have honored Jin as a model worker this year and will invite him to the annual party this week," said He Chunlan, an official from Bright Dairy, which has paid Jin a 1,250 yuan basic monthly salary during his sick leave.

Doctors from Hongkang Hospital said Jin had recovered well. The hospital also presented him with a moped to make deliveries easier.

Jin had his foot cut at a complex on Luyang Road in Putuo District on July 29 last year. Eventually, he was persuaded to go to hospital where he was treated for huge blood loss and an almost severed tendon.