We risked our lives to save my brother's heart
Hamed Amiri was 10 years old when his family fled from their home in Afghanistan all the way to the UK, where they hoped to get life-saving treatment for his brother, Hussein.
Hamed Amiri's family knew they would one day have to leave their home in Afghanistan to travel to the city of Southampton in the UK. It was one of the few places in the world where doctors were able to perform the heart surgery that could save his brother Hussein's life. Then, suddenly, the need to leave became even more urgent. This was the year 2000, and Hamed’s mother was being threatened by the Taliban for speaking out in support of women’s rights and education. The family had to sell their belongings and flee into the night, starting what would be a long and dangerous journey at the mercy of people smugglers.
Hamed has recently published a book about his family’s experiences called The Boy With Two Hearts: A Story of Hope.
Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Harry Graham / Becky Vincent
Picture: Hussein (left) and Hamed Amiri as children
Credit: Amiri Family
Podcast
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The Outlook Podcast Archive
True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives
