Le Van Duc, 57, was born in Bien Tre Province. He lost his leg in a bomb explosion while fighting to defend the country’s southwestern borders. During peace time, he goes fishing on the river to earn a livelihood, while destiny led him to meet Nguyen Thi Vinh, now his wife.

After 20 years of marriage the couple were finally able to welcome their daughter Nguyen Thi Diem My to life, who was born in 2007.

After her birth the family moved to live under the Rach Bang 2 Bridge on Nguyen Huu Tho Street, District 7, in Ho Chi Minh City.

The family has been living in a makeshift house, which is in fact an old, deteriorated wooden boat that has sit by the blackened, polluted canal for nearly a decade.

As a consequence of the war, Duc’s health is unstable. Despite his difficulty walking, Duc still helps his wife sell lottery tickets and raincoats and looks after a small drink stall to make ends meet and afford his medical costs.

The couple give all of their love to taking care of and raising their nine-year-old daughter.

To them, their daughter is a source of spiritual encouragement and joy, enabling them to live the rest of their lives.

Below are a series of photos by Tran The Phong depicting Duc's story.

These photos were one of the entries to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper's year-long competition themed “Vietnam – Country – People" concluding in October last year.

The father-and-daughter happiness

Duc sells raincoats to passers-by

Duc’s biggest joy is to see his daughter study English in a free class given by American teacher Joel Watson.

Duc helps his daughter with schoolwork.

Duc bathes his daughter.

The nine-year-old Diem My always feels happy being with her daddy.

The daughter and father work to repair their makeshift house as the rainy season starts.

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