The Boy With Two Hearts

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Boy With Two Hearts by Hamed Amiri: Episode 3

The Boy With Two Hearts by Hamed Amiri

Episode 3

BBC Radio 4 - The Boy With Two Hearts by Hamed Amiri, Episode 3

The Amiri family are still desperate to get to the UK. They pray the NHS will save Hussein

The Amiri family are still desperate to get to the UK, where they believe the NHS will help save Hussein's failing heart.

A powerful tale of a family in crisis and a moving love letter to the NHS

Herat, Afghanistan, 2000. A mother speaks out against the fundamentalist leaders of her country. Meanwhile, her family’s watchful eyes never leave their beloved son and brother, whose rare heart condition means that he will never lead a normal life.

When the Taliban gave an order for the execution of Hamed Amiri’s mother, the family knew they had to escape, starting what would be a long and dangerous journey, across Russia and through Europe, with the UK as their ultimate destination.

Travelling as refugees for a year and a half, they suffered attacks from mafia and police; terrifying journeys in strangers’ cars; treks across demanding terrain; days spent hidden in lorries without food or drink; and being robbed at gunpoint of every penny they owned.

The family’s need to reach the UK was intensified by their eldest son’s deteriorating condition, and the prospect of life-saving treatment it offered.

The Boy with Two Hearts is not only a tale of a family in crisis, but a love letter to the NHS, which provided hope and reassurance as they sought asylum in the UK and fought to save their loved ones.

Read by Sanjeev Bhaskar
Abridged by Florence Bedell-Brill
Produced by Clive Brill

A Brill Production for BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Audiobooks

Podcasts

Factual

A story of hope, a powerful tale of a family in crisis and a moving love letter to the NHS

Book of the Week. A story of hope, a powerful tale of a family in crisis and a moving love letter to the NHS. Read by Sanjeev Bhaskar.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Boy With Two Hearts by Hamed Amiri

Episode 3

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4