With both his legs paralyzed since childhood, Nguyen Duy Long, 65, has survived working as a delivery man for the past six years. 

"I used to be a mechanic and carpenter. About a decade ago, my health worsened and I decided to become a lottery vendor, but earned little. So I became a delivery man instead, using my own tricycle," said Nguyen Duy Long, 65, residing in Saigon's Thu Duc District.

Previously, Long usually delivered clothes and cosmetics, and nearly 60 percent of shipments were refused. Long, paralyzed since age one, cannot stand and moves about by sitting or taking small steps.

His tricycle is designed with all mechanics within easy reach. In the last three years, he has mainly served loyal customers at HCMC's Mien Dong (Eastern Region) Bus Station. Long usually had to ask other delivery persons for help when hauling large cargo.

Last month, Long insisted on paying a client VND300,000 ($12.91) after dropping his load.

 "Even though I’m disabled, I must try my best to earn a living. I must make up for any mistakes, instead of using my disability as an excuse," he said, adding he often struggles with bags containing durian and jackfruit since they can easily drop.

Lam Ngoc (orange shirt), a delivery man from Binh Thanh District, usually helps Long find work during quiet stints. "This job is still hard on us. Imagine how Long must feel, we love him," Ngoc maintained.

In the past six years, Long has received tons of help from the local community, habitually tipped by satisfied patrons.

Once, he paid VND600,000 ($25.82) in advance before a delivery, only to arrive at a fake address. Inside the package lay a pair of honeycomb sandals.

On September 26, 2020, Long delivers some rice paper from Mien Dong Bus Station to District 11's Lu Gia Street. The 13-km trip earns him VND150,000 ($6.46). He seldom charges customers more for heavier loads.

 "I usually travel during lunchtime when streets are quieter. I deliver big packages of goods, taking too much space, so if I travel in the afternoon amid traffic jams, other commuters would be affected," Long explained.

"I am old and do not have a lot of money, so this job fits me best," Long said while waiting for more orders.

On days he has no patrons, Long waits at a cafe near the bus station, checking social networks to see whether anyone needs a delivery made.

 In his spare time, he enjoys doing charity work. Long has stopped receiving gifts from donors, proud that he can still earn his own income. "But during the Covid-19 pandemic, some people were afraid I was facing difficulties, so they sent me rice and instant noodles," he said.

Long is currently living with his family. He got married to a cook at a local kindergarten at the age of 55. His child is currently in grade seven. "Times are hard so any work is welcome. When he told me he would become a delivery man, I didn’t think he could do the job for long," said Do Thi Tuat, 53, Long's partner.