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.
Channel 4 promises: “This extraordinary film traces Didier's story: a story of cutting-edge medicine, a mother's love, and a brave six-year-old's fight to be released from his burden.”
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.