Just look at him grow
Charity and photographer team up to capture brave Mohammad’s remarkable journey from a badly injured baby to a confident little lad
LITTLE Mohammad Sudais’s smile is a symbol of hope.
Dubbed Scotland’s child, the cute Afghan orphan arrived in Glasgow in February 2014, having suffered terrible facial injuries in a gas explosion.
His father Mohammad Ameen, 30, mother Sumaira, 28, and 13-month-old brother Abdul Haseeb died in the accident at the family’s flat in Peshawar in Pakistan, where they had fled to from their home in war-torn Afghanistan.
Mohammad, who was just six weeks old, was the only survivor. But plastic from his cot melted all over his face.
A campaign by his uncle Mohammed Asif, who lives in Glasgow, and the charity Positive Action in Housing raised thousands of pounds to bring the badly burned baby to Scotland for lifesaving treatment.
Since then, Mohammad has had a series of operations.
Now about to turn four, and living in Glasgow where he’s being raised by his uncle and aunt, the brave wee lad’s remarkable recovery has been chronicled by Positive Action in Housing and photographer Robert Perry.
Robina Qureshi, director of the Scots charity, was part of the campaign to bring the tot to this country for treatment.
She has been amazed by his progress. Robina said: “We thought it would be nice for him to look back at his development and have it recorded – have something for him and his family to look back on. The pictures are so beautiful.
“The people of Scotland did a great job supporting the campaign and raising money, and that will help Mohammad as he grows up in terms of educational needs, counselling or other support.
“I remember when he arrived in Scotland, there was this big white shawl with these beautiful brown eyes staring up, taking everything in. “He’s an amazing wee boy.” Robert felt honoured to take part in the project.
He said: “The first time I met Mohammad in January, the family put on a gigantic spread of food for us, allowing him to get used to me while he was running around playing with his toys and the iPad.
“I brought him a Kinder egg, because I’d heard he loved them – it helped.
“I went back in September, and noticed a big change. He has filled out and, while he will still need some treatments, his physical appearance has changed quite a lot.
“The NHS are doing a brilliant job with him.
“After a while, you don’t notice the scars. He’s just another wee boy, another wee guy running around the house chasing after his sister and playing with his toys.
“They are lovely people to work with, one of the nicest families you could come across.
“That wee boy wouldn’t be alive but for the care he has had, and the fact he is well adjusted is down to the love and care and support he has had.
“When he is older, these pictures will hopefully show his journey from his injuries to a time when they don’t look so apparent.
“He is a wonderful wee boy and I love photographing him. It’s a privilege.” ● For more information on the charity, visit www.paih.org.
After a while, you don’t notice the scars. He’s just another wee boy ROBERT PERRY