Mr Tran Van Dung has devoted half of his life to providing free assistance to stroke patients, those suffering from spinal degeneration, and more. With genuine empathy for the patients, he established a free gym located on Ngo Gia Tu Street in Hai Chau District to help these patients recover their functions.

The free gym has become a familiar destination for stroke and joint patients.

Mr Dung, a former head coach of the city's bodybuilding department and a trainer of world championship athletes, began supporting stroke patients in 1995. However, during that time, he could only train a few acquaintances due to time constraints.

In 2022, after retirement, he focused on developing a model for free functional recovery exercises for stroke patients. Most of the exercise equipment and facilities were conceptualised and designed by Mr Dung himself. He also innovated and explored various exercises tailored to the specific needs of each patient. In addition to assisting patients who come to his gym, he also visits the homes of severely ill patients who cannot make it to the gym.

Open from 4:30 am until late evening, the free gym, equipped with nearly 30 exercise machines, has gradually become a familiar place for stroke and joint patients.

"For newcomers, I first assess their condition. Depending on their health and the severity of their condition, I will guide them with specialised exercises. While most stroke cases are similar, some are more severe than others. Therefore, a thorough assessment is crucial before prescribing effective exercises," Mr Dung shared.

Many severely ill patients who have been training here for a period can now move independently, and carry out daily activities without assistance, and some have even bought bicycles or motorcycles to reach the gym on their own.

Most of the exercise equipment and facilities at the gym are conceptualized and designed by Mr Tran Van Dung himself.

For stroke and spinal degeneration patients, reintegrating into the labour market becomes even more challenging. Financial concerns become a burden as they have to pay large sums for therapies and healthcare services. Therefore, the special gym opened by Mr Tran Van Dung to support patients' recovery process truly brings happiness to these patients.

It seems that this place is not just a place for people to exercise but also a place for interaction and conversation among empathetic individuals. "During my time training here, I feel that my body has recovered about 70%. Thanks to Mr Dung's enthusiastic assistance without asking for money, I am very grateful. Everyone in the gym is friendly, always caring, and asking about each other's health," exclaimed Ms To Thi Hoa, residing in Hai Chau District, excitedly.

Meanwhile, Mr Nguyen Bon (Hai Chau District), who suffered a stroke in 2019 and was paralysed on one side, can now walk independently, and his condition is improving day by day since he started training here.

Kindness is always one of the most precious values ​​of every human being. It is these acts of kindness by Mr Tran Van Dung that have helped spread positive values ​​in the community and contribute to building a civilized and happy society.

Reporting by BAO NGOC, TY NA- Translating by T.VY