Sowing seeds of hope in Go Noi - the flood center of Da Nang

The salary of fate from harmonious souls

The journey of Marino Izquierdo Juan, a 53-year-old Spanish athlete, began with a secret pain: the passing of his father due to white blood disease. After 10 consecutive months, surpassing 20 countries, going through days of white snow to the heat, Marino cycling not to seek a record, but to collect "dots of hope" for cancer patients and people in flooded areas.

But perhaps, Marino himself did not expect that, at the end of his journey in Vietnam, there would be people who would understand his story to the end.

Mr. Phan Phuoc Nhat, co-founder of the Go Noi Love Fund, shared that he "sitting there for 6 hours" just to read all of Marino's journey blog before the meeting. Sharing the pain of losing his father, Nhat saw in that Western man not only a resilient athlete, but a broken heart searching for comfort.

"My first impression of Marino was a deep sympathy. I see the image of a simple man, sleeping in tents, eating on the banks and sleeping in the bushes, but his smile is always radiant. That kind eyes immediately convinced me: We have to welcome this friend home, like welcoming a relative who has been away for a long time and it is very difficult," Mr. Nhat emotionally recalled.

During the days Marino was on the road, despite the geography and language, clumsy but sincere messages in Vietnamese were still sent regularly. The kindness of Vietnamese friends began before they met, turning a journey across the continent into an arranged meeting of brothers.

Bicycle rotation becomes life buoys

In the last days of 2025, Go Noi people welcomed Marino with a warm hug and warm smiles from the people in the flood-hit areas. Here, a "new order" of the journey of kindness officially begins.

Marino made a decision that made all witnesses excited: He gave the bicycle - the "comrade" who traveled 22,000km with him - along with all the uniforms, helmets and medals to the Go Noi Love Fund.

For an athlete, it is all about family, sweat and priceless memories. But for Marino, he wants those relics to continue to " live" a new life in this country.

Receiving that invaluable gift, the Go Noi lovers understand that their task is to turn the kindness of Western visitors into the most practical values for their homeland. An auction will be held in Ho Chi Minh City in early 2026 with the goal of collecting 500 million VND.

That amount is not just a number, it will be converted into rescue canoes, sturdy life jackets for the "For Go Noi, Don't sink" campaign.

From the bicycle of a son who loves his father in Spain, now, those vong will protect fathers, mothers, and children in the flooded area of Thu Bon every time the rainy and stormy season comes.

To mark this special friendship, Marino and local people planted a rice tree at the head of Go Noi commune. The image of a Spanish man covered in mud and soil, helping to lift green shoots in Quang is a beautiful testament to the connection between people.

"Marino said that Vietnam is not just a destination, but has become a part of his life. We invited him to plant trees to illustrate the future planting here. One day when I return, I will see the trees grow, as well as see what I have given blooming and helping everyone," Mr. Nhat confided.

Marino's journey may have stopped geographically in Go Noi, but with the cooperation of kind Vietnamese people, that "drop of water" has joined the broader flow of charity.

Marino has brought kindness to Vietnam, and it is the Vietnamese people who have cherished and spread that kindness further.

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