Many professional poker players live a life of luxury in all quarters of the globe – we travel exclusively and play for huge sums of money for our troubles. But, a recent trip to Asia proved to be a timely reminder of the struggles many people battle against in the face of poverty and natural disaster.

It all began back in November. Singapore was the venue for the Betfair Asian Poker Tour, held at the Meritus Mandarin Hotel. But it was my journey and destination following this event that left me with a huge sense of fulfilment. After busting out earlier than I would have liked at the Mandarin, my best friend and Martins Poker team-mate John Phan joined me on a trip to my homeland of Vietnam where we visited family before undertaking some charity work.