'Turtle boy's' joy at shell surgery

 

Bullied ... Hali had turtle shell growth on back

 

A YOUNG lad dubbed turtle boy by cruel bullies is starting a new life after a giant shell of hard skin was removed from his back.

Maimaiti Hali, eight, underwent a miracle two-hour op to cut away the huge mutated growth.

Dad Maimaiti Musai said: "We were told surgery wasn't possible when he was very young so we waited. But the growth got bigger and harder and became like a turtle shell.

"People bullied him and we were determined to end it. He is such a good and brave boy and he never complained. We are so glad that he is now on the mend."

Medics at Urumqi Military General Hospital say they have taken away the growth and replaced it with skin grafts from Hali's scalp and legs.

Chief surgeon Ye Xiangpo said: "The skin we removed was as thick as a bull's hide.

"We used scalp hair on the graft because it grows back very quickly. We expect him to make a full recovery."

Hali, of Heping, northern China, added: "It was a bit painful, but I won't worry about other kids laughing at me any more.

"I am looking forward to going out in the sun without my shirt on and to going swimming with my friends."