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Young polio woman in China given gift of confidence by famous photographer who heals needy with artistic portraits

  • Polio woman’s condition makes her scared to venture outside
  • Photographic skills turn disabled adversity into ability to face the world

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A young polio-suffering woman in China has been given the confidence to face the world by a photographer who uses his creative skills to help disabled people across the mainland. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

A young woman in China with polio regained her confidence with the help of a photographer who specialises in helping people in need.

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Tian, 22, was diagnosed when she was just nine months old and the condition caused muscle atrophy in her left leg and made her walk with a limp.

As a child, she was mocked by classmates for her gait, leading her to miss out on attending university.

Tian has never been in a romantic relationship because she “dared not to” and she is afraid of being called a “cripple”.

She never takes full-body photos and is unwilling to smile: “I don’t look good when I smile,” she said.

Liang Tian, who has had his own health issues to overcome, says his photographs help to restore people’s faith in themselves. Photo: Baidu
Liang Tian, who has had his own health issues to overcome, says his photographs help to restore people’s faith in themselves. Photo: Baidu

Living in a rural area, Tian live-streams makeup tutorials on Douyin to earn money for her treatment and relieve the financial pressure on her parents.

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