It's never easy viewing and this week’s Bodyshock documentary is no exception. It follows the story of a six-year-old Colombian boy and his struggle with a rare condition, which has seen 40% of his body taken over by a growth.
The condition, known as Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, is caused by a giant mole and gives Didier the appearance of having a shell – hence his nickname ‘Turtle Boy’.
The documentary follows Didier’s story, the fears his growth could turn malignant and the superstition in his village that the condition was caused as a result of being conceived during an eclipse.
The film is the work of production company Current Sponge, headed by Richard Branson’s son Sam.
Sam took to his famous father’s blog to publicise the project, the company’s first television documentary.
He wrote: “I think we now have an incredibly moving and compelling story and one that was screaming out to be told. I don’t want to spoil it but it does have a happy ending.”
Bodyshock: Turtle Boy will air on Channel 4 on 25 April at 10pm.
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It's never easy viewing and this week’s Bodyshock documentary is no exception. It follows the story of a six-year-old Colombian boy and his struggle with a rare condition, which has seen 40% of his ...
It's never easy viewing and this week’s Bodyshock documentary is no exception. It follows the story of a six-year-old Colombian boy and his struggle with a rare condition, which has seen 40% of his ...
These programs are nothing short of sick and depraved. They appeal to the worst aspects of human nature. "incredible people" on one of the other channels is even worse.
Ogling at people who are ill and deformed because of their condition is no different to the days when circuses used these vulnerable people in order to make money.
Channel 4 and 5 should be boycotted and shamed for allowing these people to become; "entertainment"; for those who like to stare at the young child under the bus.
Such events usually draw a large crowd and is a sobering jolt of just how people can become mesmerized by the suffering of others in a very reprehensive manner.
Sick b*******s.
telemetry9: These programs are nothing short of sick and depraved. They
Saw the programme, what a gorgeous little boy and his family were so strong and dignified.
Glad he got the treatment he needed, he looked so happy to be wearing normal clothes and going to school, his life has changed completely and his grandad is already making plans for him to run the family farm.
Good news story for a change.
nearly_there: Saw the programme, what a gorgeous little boy and his
uh.. this nation's vision of the "other" is strictly based on voyeurism. Just how many regular story do you hear about Colombia . None. Its the way it is . you'll be suprise how many ppl function that way too.
They never give money for free. they have to sensationalise the story of this black child first. Milk it first then probably help a little and disappear. its too bad people down there are totally powerless .
Lechiffre: uh.. this nation's vision of the "other" is strictly based
People are consoling him but if he comes to live here and get support from NHS most people including the BNP will go mad, call him names and aim to throw him out. Its taking the world soo long to spot the hypocrisy of people living here because of your extremely fair government that make me always have a soft spot for this nation. May he get well soon and would have loved to join a campaign if I could.
The_Blackacademicians: People are consoling him but if he comes to live
What a beautiful child with such an infectious smile and such a devastating thing to happen.
I hope that he survives the operations needed and is able to live a happy and healthy life.
MamaJoe: What a beautiful child with such an infectious smile and
I hope so much that Didier's story will have a happy ending. I can't imagine how much surgery and skin grafts he'll need to remove the growth and restore his back to as near as normal as possible. If he'd lived in a wealthier country it wouldn't have got that out of control. I hope that Sam Branson and his family will follow Didier's progress and ensure that he gets all the future treatment he needs to give him a happy, painless and cancer-free future because I think he'll have to have on going operations, treatments and scans for the rest of his life.
Miggins: I hope so much that Didier's story will have a
I will be watching this even though I know I will be bawling. When I see kids like this it really makes you appreciate how truly blessed you are if you have children, like me, who are lucky to be fit strong & healthy. God bless you little one x x
cheekymamma: I will be watching this even though I know I
...i wish also they'd stop nick-naming these poor kids with these severe abnormalities, the TV doesn't stop with them, whether it's 'tree-man', 'spider-baby', 'wolf-man' etc etc...you'd think the 'freak show' mentality since the days of poor John Merrick would have ceased to be, it's obvious we hav
vividrick: ...i wish also they'd stop nick-naming these poor kids with
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Huffington Post UK | By Sara C Nelson Posted: 24/04/2012 17:43 Updated: 24/04/2012 18:28