A kindhearted retiree self-studied how to repair and build DIY wheelchairs so he could donate them to sick neighbours in Vietnam.

Huynh Huu Hoai, 70, from Vinh Long province, said it has always been his dream to do volunteer work for the needy. When he retired in 2020, he spent his time learning how to repurpose scrap bicycles.

Footage shows Huynh fixing one of the wheelchairs he made using old parts from broken bikes. He said he has donated more than 200 of them to neighbours and local hospitals since he started and plans to make more.

He said: ‘I started with feeding programs, community work, then I saw a patient having difficulty with transportation.'

When the retiree noticed the problem, he bought an old wheelchair, tinkered with it, and let patients use it for free.

He said: ‘I am not a skilled worker, so I gradually learned how to do them. I started with repairing and then bought spare parts.'

Huynh bought broken wheelchairs and fixed them using spare parts. When he had enough knowledge, he started building them using bicycle tires.

He said: ‘I bought 540 tyres and used them to make new wheelchairs or repair broken ones.'

Huynh added he is happy that his family is very supportive of his endeavours.

He said: ‘Some of the funds come from my family. Some of my friends and neighbours are also becoming interested in doing charity work when they see me.'

When Huynh made his first wheelchair he said he did not initially thought of giving it away.

He said: ‘I let everyone who needs to use it, but I saw how it can become helpful to a person. So I gave it away and made a second one, which I also gave away.'

He said: ‘A new one costs a lot of money so I just assemble with available parts. When I bring it to someone who needs it, I feel joy, I become happy and that's my motivation.'

Now, Huynh said he does not have any plans of stopping and will continue making the DIY wheelchairs.

He said: ‘It's a laborious task. It is hot in the afternoon when I work but when I see a sick person smile, everything goes away. I feel strong and recharged again. While I still have my health, I will continue doing this until I can't do it anymore.'

One of his recipients, To Van Hoai, said: ‘I couldn't go anywhere before until I was given a wheelchair. I used to crawl, and going far is impossible. I am very thankful to have it.'