2012 - The Baby With A New Face
The story of Viet, who was born with one of the world's rarest facial deformities, and his journey from Vietnam to the UK for potentially life-changing surgery.
Available until 21:00 28 Jun 2013
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The story of Viet, who was born with one of the world's rarest facial deformities, and his journey from Vietnam to the UK for potentially life-changing surgery.
Available until 21:00 28 Jun 2013
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Available for 22 days
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Comments (116)
1 month ago
Aanya
Love you Brenda wish you the best of luck!
3 months ago
Louise C
This is the boy i call AMAZING and would be proud to call my son x
6 months ago
Rubecca
this is such a sweet lady who cares for the boy a lot
6 months ago
CommonSense
I think only cruel heartless people would refer to this boy as "fish".
8 months ago
caroline
hello brenda smith I thinkl yoou are doing a wonderfull job with the fishboy I wish i can help in any way as he a lovely boy & i just feel sorry for the boy he haven't got much of a life i just feel so sorry for the fish boy I wish i can help him
10 months ago
Lauren
she is not dead sorry for any incovence
10 months ago
Lauren
Sorry thats wrong thats about her husband, she is not dead! Sorry for any inconvenience
10 months ago
Lauren
What a wonderful lady, she did an amazing thing, however i am very sorry to tell you all that she died tragically when she suffered a heart attack and died suddenly at the age of 55. May she rest in peace xx
10 months ago
Michael Tate
There are no words in the english dictionary that can describe this wonderful lady
11 months ago
kelley
what a woundrful lady i now would like to work and help ophens all the best brenda and minh x
11 months ago
Ali
Wow, what an amazing relationship. I wish all the best for Minh anh and Brenda. My prayers will always be with you both. It takes a lot to make me cry but I still did eventually. Hope everything works out.
11 months ago
gill spibey
I have a child with special needs, severe learning difficulties who was born with a cleft lip and palate - now repaired, who is fortunate to have so much love and affection from his family. I was touched deeply by the programme, by Brenda's commitment and Minh's wonderful smile and their spirit. I want to donate a week of my time and visit the orphanage and would love to hear from Brenda about her experiences and any advice she could offer me would be very helpful as I feel I have something to give these special children. Can anyone help with contacting Brenda?
11 months ago
Jay
I want to do what Brenda did and spent some quality time with people like Minh, they really deserve it. Whilst watching this I had a smile on my face every time I saw Minh smile. I really want to change someones life like Brenda did and I hope one day I get the chance to do so.
11 months ago
Anna
Wonderful story! Wonderful lady! Incredible!
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11 months ago
nicola scott
hello Brenda, ve seen a few programmes on the lives children have living in orphanages around the world, but when I watched yours the other night it has really touched me and I know if I can do a little in my lifetime to make some less fortunate childrens lives a bit happier I really intend too. I have already started saving up my kids clothes and toys and will in the future be adding other things. I will check out Tu Du peace village where Minh Ahn lives and the volunteer website and one day in the future get to visit the orphanage. God bless you Brenda you are truly amazing.
11 months ago
Nicola
I watched this report and so admired Brenda Smith. I have been doing research on Minh Anh condition and found a documentary on a 22 year old man, Sun Chang in China who had the same condition. He went to see a Doctor Chung in Guangzhou, China who put him on medication and his skin just fell off every day. He looks so good now. I hope this information will help both Minh and Brenda. You have inspired me thank you.
11 months ago
Kristine
Since your programme I haven't stopped thinking about Min Ahh and you Brenda for being one of the most selfless people on earth. Your energy and love for Min Ahh is so rewarding he; is one of the luckiest orphans. It would be wonderful to have a follow up to see how Min Ahh is progressing now.
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11 months ago
cliff ianson
hi brenda this story moved me me to my very core and has changed something inside me,me and others want to know how things are going and want to know if we can help.please please let us know. cliff and louise family of 3 kids..
11 months ago
KP
Brenda, i was very moved by the episode last night of extraordinary people. It is touching to know that people like you exist, giving and selfless. It reminds me that people like me look on from the sidelines, and it's not enough just to rely on others to do good. I can honestly say i know you have inspired me to do more for others. I would also like to make a donation to fund your trips and wonderful work you do. Pls let me know how.. Thank you, and God Bless you and your family. Ken
11 months ago
susanhall
Brenda you are a saint... Tell us how we can help x
11 months ago
Jose Iglesias
Brenda, your are amazing lady amazing human being thank you for sharing all this, how can we help and donate
11 months ago
Caroline Kerr
A true inspiration , Brenda , you are a wonderful human being . Total tear jerker . The world is a better place with kind people like you. Would love to help with fundraising . God bless you and all the children too. Thanks for making me realise how lucky I really am, humbled is not the word! X
11 months ago
Kidscussi
It's got to be said that when l see all those famous people whom lined up for the jubilee and queens honours list none of them could stand in the shadow of Brenda whom has done what she has done without thought of honours or praise and more importantly has seemingly USED HER OWN MONEY -NON TAX DEDUCTABLE to visit these children for so many years without acknowledgement or public praise it is she who should be honoured and not many of those do called philanthropic entrepreneurs whom do it expectant of being honoured at some point. I know they do a lot of good work and are not all praise hunting but compared to Brenda IMHO they need to take a serious look at themselves and ourselves as to what charity means
11 months ago
Lisa
Fantastic lady Brenda... I would love to help in your quest.... I will look at the volunteer link ... Wow what a lady
11 months ago
Candice Lapping
Brenda what a wonderful lady you are. Seeing what you have done and are doing for that young boy is so inspirational. The world needs a lot more people like you. You can see how much he loves you so much that must be a great feeling. With love xxx
11 months ago
Amy
I have a lot of respect for both of you. I work with children with a range of disabilities and normally im fine with tese things. But your relationship really touched me and brought me to tears. From this i decided to look into the orphanage to see if theres anything i could do and came across a petition to stop Agent Orange. Here is the link. A small step but could change the future of children to come. http://www.petitiononline.com/petitions/AOVN/signatures/new
11 months ago
Alison Buckley
I wept through the programme. Brenda and Minh Anh are two extraordinary people with a very special relationship. It showed that not sharing a common language doesn't matter. The communication between the two of them was amazing, and a privilege to watch. I hope Brenda's visits continue for a very long time. I hope for a positive outcome for Minh Anh.
11 months ago
KEVIN GRIFFFIN
I am a 52 yr old Dad of a fantastic Austistic boy aged 10. I was incredibly moved by this story. Myself and my wife really worry about the future for Scott. Who will look after him when we are gone? But he has all the love and support he needs right now. It is the worlds most demanding task looking after special needs children so we stand in salute of Brenda and desperately want to help her! Is there not some way we can get Minh Anh to the UK and secure his future? It's brave ordinary people like Brenda who very quitely little by little everyday make this a better world. God bless you Brenda!
11 months ago
Claire
If anyone out there would like to help Minh-Ahn, please search on Facebook for "Tu Du Peace Village" where he lives and you will find a link to my mum's (Brenda Smith) fundraising page where every single penny will go towards Minh-Ahn's treatment. Alternatively, if you haven't Facebook you can search for the Vietnam Volunteer Network (www.vietnamvolunteernetwork.com) and search for Brenda Smith that way. Many thanks for all the kind comments on here, I will ensure that my mum reads them all, she will be overwhelmed by people's kindness and support in her quest for making this little boy's life a better one. God bless, Claire
11 months ago
Andy Jones
Its people like Brenda that should be honoured by our country rather than celebrities, A true inspiration to us all, Thank you Brenda for giving us an insight into the plight of these poor Children, your love for these people is amazing . Bless you x
11 months ago
Tuan Nhu Tran
My Heart goes out to both Lady Brenda and Minh Anh, such beauty we all missed for so long, God Bless your husband as well. Very moving program and so well documented. Myself a Vietnamese born, residing in UK past 35 years and have never seen such heart touching, tears dripping so much. I truly hope both Lady Brenda and Minh Anh unite back in UK regardless of Minh Anh skin condition, as I know Britain Dr's will eventually give M-A and Lady Brenda their prolong heart breaking relationship turn to a new chapter, a new beginning. Thank you Channel 5 and Lady Brenda along M-A. Tuan.
11 months ago
John Mtchell c/o, Karen Mitchell (Wife)
Dear Brenda, I have some VERY important information for you that you may not be aware of regards Min Anh, I can't talk on here. PLEASE GET IN TOUCH ASAP, God Bless ! xx
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11 months ago
Snowy
Claire,not just proud,your mother is THE BEST MOTHER,GRAND AND GREAT-GRANDMOTHER IN WHOLE WORLD.I found m'selfe to be privilage to watch this program.Please lets do something for those children whose future is "one big dark hole"thanks to war, and God knows what else.LADY BRENDA,YOU ARE REAL SAINT ON EARTH,REAL LADY WITH HEARTH OF MOTHER TERESA WHO DID TOUCH LOTS OF HEARTS (US) AND MADE US TO DO SOME GOOD .THANK YOU BRENDA,THANKS FOR ALL SMILES YOU MADE IN VIETNAM XXXXXXXX
11 months ago
Eileen Adams
Brenda - What a selfless individual. You have made Minh so happy in the times that you have put youself out to visit him in the orphanage and it is quite obvious that he has found a friend in you. It is a shame there are not many more people like you in this world - you are one incredible lady xx
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11 months ago
Kirsty brook
Brenda, well what can i say, that already has not been said you are truley an inspiration. ( an earth angel ) the joy you bring to that very special boy was amazing to see ..your family are very lucky to have you... xx
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11 months ago
Hannah
Min Anh looks like he has some form of Icthyosis. There are various creams available and a drug called Acitretin that could help him a lot depending on the type of Icthyosis. Hopefuly this will be suggested to Brenda as if he does have Icthyosis then there is help out there for Min Anh.
11 months ago
fiona
Brenda, Your husband will be looking down at you & will be so proud of the great work you are doing to help these children.
11 months ago
Jenny Kerr
Brenda, amazing lady.
11 months ago
Carla Kenyon
I am still very emotional after watching this programme. Brenda there should be more people in the world like you, you are a true human angel! After watching your programme I sourced a charity that helps orphaned or abandoned childred abroad and have set-up a regular donation. You are a truly amazing and wonderful person! love and best wishes to you and Minh Anh. And please do let us know how we can donate and help too. best x
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11 months ago
Fiona MacLeod
such a wonderful programme with two very special inspirational people. There was so much real love in this documentary. Brenda's devotion is so inspiring. Your family must be so proud as would your husband. Thank you.
11 months ago
Jane Louise McDonald
Words cannot describe what an emotional programme this was. Brenda you are an inspiration and Min Anh melted my heart....is there somewhere we can donate to help this beautifyl boy? xxx
11 months ago
Jane Louise McDonald
The most moving programme I have ever had the privilage to watch. Brenda you are an inspiration and Min Ahn melted my heart... we would love to know how to donate to help xxx
11 months ago
Jane Louise McDonald
The most moving programme I have ever had the privilage to watch. Brenda you are an inspiration and Min Ahn melted my heart... we would love to know how to donate to help xxx
11 months ago
Jane Louise McDonald
The most moving programme I have ever had the privilage to watch. Brenda you are an inspiration and Min Ahn melted my heart... we would love to know how to donate to help xxx
11 months ago
Jane Louise McDonald
The most moving programme I have ever had the privilage to watch. Brenda you are an inspiration and Min Ahn melted my heart... we would love to know how to donate to help xxx
11 months ago
Jane Louise McDonald
The most moving programme I have ever had the privilage to watch. Brenda you are an inspiration and Min Ahn melted my heart... we would love to know how to donate to help xxx
11 months ago
Adriano
My wife and I were in floods watching this, sadness and joy throughout. Thanks for a amazing programme and bringing the stories of all the children light. It would be great to know how we could donate to the orphanage. And as has been said, Brenda you are an inspiration and your husband would be so proud of you.
11 months ago
Matt
Im a 30 year old self confessed heartless guy and was in tears when Brenda had to leave him. To see him so happy after all her hard work is just inspiring! ABSOLUTE LEGEND!!!! Please how can we donate?????
11 months ago
rebecca
how do i get in contact with this fabulous Brenda - i have written you a letter as you moved me to tears. you are an inspiration and i think you are truly AMAZING - please can we have a mail address for you??
11 months ago
Judith Everett
Well done to Tom Peppiat the producer, for making this amazing, heart wrenching documentary. Brenda is the most remarkable lady and raising awareness of the plight of Minh Anh and all the other children in the orphanage will hopefully get the help they need. What an emotional roller coaster of a documentary.
11 months ago
Toyin
Brenda your such a remarkable Lady. God bless you and Minh Ahn. I pray he continues to get all the help and support he needs.
11 months ago
HIEN LANH.
THE BEST OF THE BEST LADY IN THIS WORLD.
11 months ago
Max
how can I make a donation to your just cause ?
11 months ago
Stella
Brenda, as a mother myself my heart ached with the love you showed to Minh Ahn and the other children. Both my daughter and I wept with sadness to see Minh Ahn and his condition. Please, please let us know how we can help and how Minh Ahn is doing.
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11 months ago
Simone Todd
You're a huge inspiration to us all. I believe in action not just speculation and as I am unlikely to visit the orphans in the near future I've just donated to the Vienam Volunteer Network. Thanks to all the amazing volunteers, staff and doctors who help the orphans across Vietnam.
11 months ago
uthayakumary
Lovely programme..this has also inspired me to help a child with a disability! Thank your brenda x
11 months ago
Heidi
brenda - you are an amazing, inspirational woman. xx
11 months ago
Nicole G
What an incredibly wonderful lady Brenda is and their bond is clear to see. I cannot believe she is 78...her spirit is tireless. Wow. Lost for words....God bless you
11 months ago
Beth
Ps, I'm sure your husband would be so so proud of you x
11 months ago
Janey
What an inspiring documentary, you really are an amazing lady Brenda. i can see why you feel such a connection to Minh Anh, He seems very intelligent from what we saw in the documentary and if only the poor children had stimulation and education in the hospital they could all prove that they are capable of more. i feel proud of you and i don't even know you. All the best for the future. P.S i would love for there to be an update on Minh Anh in the future for us all to see how he is getting on. xx
11 months ago
scott morson
just an awesome programme , cried at the end , what a truely remarkable lady , and minh anh what an amazing young man , there has to be a way of helping them both in some way ..some one please tell us how xxx
11 months ago
Richard W Hughes
Brenda, You are an absolute inspiration, god bless you and may you be blessed with the strength and well being and love to be able to see each other for many more years to come.
11 months ago
char
this is such a moving programe would love to help such a young boy with so much to give so nice to see that there are people out there that do care x x x
11 months ago
Philomena
Amazing lady, heartbreaking programme that poor boy comes to life with a little bit of attention. Hopefully they will find something to make his skin more comfortable. TO KAREN you are not alone - there must be some groups you can join with others who are suffering as you are. Please dont feel alone - you can write to me if you want, I dont have this condition but no-one should feel alone - theres always someone that cares x
11 months ago
Jamila
Please let us know where we can send funds to help these children. The dedication shown by the staff is heart warming. Brenda is an inspiration, having opened our eyes to the suffering these children are exposed to.
11 months ago
rachel lane
What a wonderful woman you are Brenda , that young boy loves you as a Mother, my heart sank when i saw that the children didnt have any toys to play with, please let us have brendas essex address and i am only too happy to help and send up some toys ..... thanks
11 months ago
Beth
Much like the others, completely inspired and would love to help, letters, or toys, whatever would help their quality of life, please do let us know.
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11 months ago
Carly
What an amazing eye-opening programme, I have been so incredibly moved by it that I need to know how I can help these children. Brenda is such an amazing human being, I am literally crying my eyes out!! What a beautiful relationship they have xxx
11 months ago
maureen cruse
What a wonderful woman & a fantastic young man. I just do not have the words to say how this programme has moved me to tears & yet uplifted my spirits. Brenda, if you follow any of these comments would love to keep in touch and know how Minh Anh is doing. Inspirational, both of you
11 months ago
Kerrie
Brenda, you are truly an amazing woman. I felt overwhelmed this evening.Your relationship with Min nah is inspirational. I don't think I've ever been so moved watching a programme. Please let me know how I can donate.... Xxx
11 months ago
Ruby Cantlon
what an amazing relation and program!!xx
11 months ago
Jane
Thank you God for a woman like this xx
11 months ago
sam
Best programme I have seen in years, what a lovely lady, so kind. Heartwarming xx
11 months ago
Linda Allan
hi, I have just seen the very moving programme and would love to do something to help the children . I work in a school and could do fundraising or make toys to send direct to the hospital. Please can you let me know how and if this possible. THANK YOU.
11 months ago
dane smith
what a fantastic lady, she really shows human kindness to the full degree. Minh Ann is very lucky to have her, her husband would be sooooo proud! good luck to them both and everyone at the orphanage x
11 months ago
Lisa P-S
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh what a lovely lady and what a lovely lil chap.... I would love to do some charity work and help these poor children but think that they would not accept this, my heart bleeds for them and you just want to adopt and bring a child back to the UK to give them a chance in life and make them feel human, loved and wanted.
11 months ago
Amanda
What an absolutely amazing, incredible lady you are! and what a lovely cheeky young man. I am absolutely moved and blown away by this story.
11 months ago
Ellie F
what an amazing woman ... what a lovely relationship! want to help Minh Anh. please let us know how we can donate some money to help him.
11 months ago
rachael collier
That Lady Brenda is possibly the most loveliest woman in the whole world and her family should be in awe of her as im sure they are, oh my god i am crying my eyes out unbelievable at how loving and caring she is....the world would be a better place if it was full of people like Brenda...unbelievable to know her age and what she wants to do and help others after she has lost a loved one.....god bless her...makes you realise how lucky you are to have healthy children xx
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11 months ago
Yvonne Law
I really want to help ,Brenda u r wonderful & the programme has broken my heart, u r an inspiration to me xx
11 months ago
Clare
Just watching it now. Brenda, you are incredible and I wish I knew you in person. You have no idea the difference you're making. Please tell me how I can help the clinic the kids are in? You have completely inspired me.
11 months ago
Jane
Brenda you are a lovely lovely amazing lady and the world would be such a better place if there was more people like you. My heart goes out to all them orphans. People don't realise how lucky they are. Xx
11 months ago
karen
And the ward, with the children/babies crying.. Breaking my heart.
11 months ago
ali
how do i get in touch with hospital i want to help
11 months ago
jeanette
Brenda you are such a kind lady i would very much like to fund raise for you also! my heart goes out to all those children.
11 months ago
VickiK
my brother, nephew and niece all have this condition, Brenda you are a legend!
11 months ago
karen
when I was diagnosed, I was told to swim in the dead sea.!! I had a few consultants look at me in a little curtain drawn room. I am now 45 and alone. I gave up as I feel ugly and alone.
11 months ago
jodie x
Its so sad to see all those children suffering like that! I have a severely disabled daughter myself and she gets so excited when i take her outside. For these children not to be able to get out of the ward or even have toys to play with and keep them stimulated is awful :-( is there a charity set up for this orphanage so donations can be sent either money, toys, clothes etc? Brenda u do such an amazing job and the bond between u and minh anh is incredible. If there were more people like u the world wouldnt be half as bad as it is. You're an inspiration to us all x
11 months ago
catherine folkes
Wow, your mum is amazing and has such a big heart. No wonder you're all so proud of her
11 months ago
Gail Bass
Let me know what help is needed for these children. Maybe fund raising. I would love to be involved with this if it is possible.
11 months ago
Becky d
How do you help the children in the orphanage i would love do anythibg to help can we sponsor the hospital,theres soo much suffering in the world makes you realise how lucky you are.brenda you truly are an inspiration to mankind lovely woman im sure your family and husband are all soo proud of you xx
11 months ago
Edith Russell
brenda you are such an amazing woman, if we all played a part like you the world would be a beautiful place to live. be blessed
11 months ago
Dee Doc
Brenda, you're a truly lovely human being....thank goodness there's people like you around. I wish I had the guts to do what you do. Those children would break your heart and should shame those responsible.
11 months ago
karen
I have icythysois fish-skin (spelling sorry) , The orphanage broke my heart. My life has been an existance rather than a life.
11 months ago
David
There was a person with a very similar skin condition that was diagnosed by the guy from "embarrassing bodies" on channel 4 on the UK tv show! Maybe worth a look if no other progression :)
11 months ago
Maureen Robson
Brenda your an amazing woman
11 months ago
Maureen Robson
Brenda your an amazing woman!
11 months ago
marcia
God bless you......you are truly beautiful inside:)
11 months ago
Kim Nguyen Browne
Brenda, I'm so proud of you & to finally see your relationship with Min Anh on TV! Sending you much love & appreciation for all that you do to help the kids in Vietnam, Kim xox
11 months ago
kyle brownfield
can not wait to see the boy they call fish.
11 months ago
Anna Knight
Can't wait to see it! We have been over to help Minh Anh too and adore all the children in the hospital :) We had an article written about him when we got back to the UK. He's such a darling Anna and Mel
11 months ago
Deb Smith
You do suit a motorbike helmet, Mum ! The trailer of the show is fantastic and I'm so looking forward to seeing the whole thing....seeing you with Minh Anh put a big lump in my throat. Your concern for him shows, but your happiness when you are with him shows more. You're amazing, Mum.
11 months ago
Carol Noble
So proud of my friend Brenda and what she does for these poor children. Can't wait to see this programme. Have told loads to watch it! xx
11 months ago
Carol Noble
So proud of my friend Brenda and what she does for these poor children. Can't wait to see this programme.
11 months ago
Carol Noble
So proud of my friend Brenda and all that she does to help these children, can't wait to see the programme. Carol xx
11 months ago
Carol Diss
So proud of you Mum, after all these years of you travelling to Vietnam, we get to see your life when you are in the country you love so much,i You are an inspiration to all your family and friends.xx
11 months ago
ClaireClayton
Extremely proud of you mum and so looking forward to seeing just what you get up to over there, I've a feeling its going to be very emotional, not bad going for a 78 year old xx