Imagine being a 24-year-old but treated like a one-year-old, that’s life for Edward Hernandez from Colombia, one of the smallest men in the world at only 27 inches.
My heart really went out to Edward on last night's Bodyshocks (CH4), who is treated like a toddler by his parents, who feed, bathe and carry him like a baby, because of his height and limited capabilities, whereas he is the eldest of his siblings. Edward explained that he can’t even go out on his own as strangers ask him silly questions and pick him up. Which is what exactly happened when him and his brother went to a football match, with the team’s lion mascot carrying him around the pitch.
Edward, whose stunted growth doctors now believe was caused by a thyroid condition as a child, exclaimed that all he really wants is to lead a normal life, go to work, own a jeep, get married and live in the countryside, where he was born, away from prying eyes. As well as set up a charity for deprived children in the area.
He hopes his new title of the world’s shortest man will make his dreams come true, despite his earnings going straight back into the bank of mum and dad. However people take advantage of his celeb status, with one woman, the owner of a clinic, offering him for free a cataract operation he desperately needs, in return for endorsement of a charity she is launching to help children with poor sight. But instead of discussing the finer details with Edward, she speaks to his mum. Edward says he doesn’t mind being treated like an adult and a child as he gets lots of attention and taken places. One trip he goes on is to the town where he grew up for a public appearance and to see his family, who he hasn’t spoken with for five years, and who are the only people that treat him as an adult.
Unfortunately, Edward’s celebrity status and way out of poverty doesn’t last long, as the title of shortest man is stolen from him after just six weeks. He drowns his sorrows with his first alcoholic drink. On the bright side, he’s a cheap date.
