Study UK Alumni Awards Winner: When Personal Journeys Inspire the Community

Not stopping at personal victory, the award has opened up for Ms. Truc the opportunity to accompany the young generation, spread community strength and affirm the spirit of the Study UK Alumni Awards: honoring individuals, nurturing social impact.

From personal stories to community voices

Trieu Thi Thanh Truc received the Champion Award of Study UK Alumni Awards 2024

In March 2024, when she was named in the Social Impact category of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2024, Trieu Thi Thanh Truc was mentioned as a resilient "warrior" on the journey to defeat breast cancer. But if it had only stopped at the story of an individual, perhaps Ms. Truc's influence would not have touched the hearts of so many people. What made a special mark was that she turned a seemingly private experience into a strong voice to accompany and support the community.

Over the past year, the award has opened up many new opportunities for her to tell her story at many events. She was invited to participate in a breast cancer awareness program organized by the Ministry of Health and K Hospital in Hanoi. There, when she recounted her journey – from a master of pharmacy studying in the UK, to a cancer patient and then to a winner – many patients smiled, boldly shared and felt they were not alone. “They realized that the disease is not the end, but can be the door to a new journey of life. Seeing that change in their eyes is what touched me the most,” Ms. Truc shared.

Ms. Truc at an event organized by the Ministry of Health and K Hospital

Talking to the doctors at the hospital, she also affirmed that her education in the UK has given her not only professional knowledge but also critical thinking, independence and the ability to spread values. These are the things that have helped her find the strength to overcome adversity, and more importantly, to turn it into motivation to contribute.

Accompanying the young generation

Ms. Truc confided: If the journey to overcome cancer was the starting point, then the Study UK Alumni Awards became the "launching pad" for her to embark on a bigger mission: accompanying the younger generation.

Over the past year, she has personally guided high school students to become volunteers for the Breast Cancer Network Vietnam (BCNV) during the summer vacation. This is not just a regular volunteer experience, but an opportunity for them to practice skills, nurture the spirit of sharing and most importantly, realize that they can create social impact from small actions.

“Seeing the students wearing volunteer uniforms for the first time, shy at first but gradually confident in sharing and supporting patients. And then they proudly tell their friends about that meaningful journey, I believe that the spreading power of the community will continue to be passed on to the young people. They are the new ambassadors, writing beautiful stories for the journey we are on, ” said Ms. Truc.

Along with volunteer activities, the Trookies vegan cake project founded by Ms. Truc is still maintained as a small but meaningful initiative, aiming to raise funds and spread the spirit of sharing. Over the past two years, the Trookies project has contributed a total of 51 million VND to the Breast Cancer Network Vietnam (BCNV). This number becomes more meaningful when knowing that Trookies started out as just a small hobby, maintained in parallel with her full-time job. Up to now, when she has officially entered her 6th year of being cancer-free, each cake is not only a product, but also a symbol of determination, sharing and belief in a new life.

On Christmas 2024, Ms. Truc's Cookies Project in collaboration with BCNV organized a program to give cookies to hair donors. More than 600 cookies prepared by her were given to hair donors.

More than a year after being named, she shared: The journey after the award has made it clear to me that the Study UK Alumni Awards not only honor individual achievements, but also encourage, support and expand the social impact of former UK international students. My personal story is a living testament to that spirit.

“From someone who once thought he had nothing special to apply for, I have gradually proven that every individual has a story worth telling. And when we share it at the right time and place, that story can inspire and create change for many people. The most important thing is still confidence and daring to overcome yourself,” Ms. Truc confided.

That is also the message that Ms. Truc wants to send to the candidates of this year's season: Be confident, because the Award is not only for those who have done something great, but the Award is for all those who know how to turn their experiences into value for society, spread values, and inspire everyone.

“I believe that education from the UK will always be a valuable asset to help us continue writing special stories,” she said.

As the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 prepares to launch, Trieu Thi Thanh Truc’s journey is a powerful reminder that this award does not end with an awards ceremony. It opens new doors, connects people with shared aspirations, and empowers each individual story to become a collective voice – an inspiring voice, passed down through generations.

(See more about the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 organised by the British Council)

Source: https://tienphong.vn/quan-quan-study-uk-alumni-awards-khi-hanh-trinh-ca-nhan-truyen-cam-hung-cho-cong-dong-post1782584.tpo