The Man With No Face | BORN DIFFERENT

PURWANTO, 45, from Nganjuk, Indonesia, has tumours that cover the entirety of his face. His first tumour became visible when he was 12 years old, beginning as a small lump behind his right ear and rapidly spreading until it eclipsed all his facial features. Purwanto, who works as a farmer, has to use a headband in order to see and his tumours make eating a challenge. He said: “Now without wearing a headband it’s difficult to see.” But despite his condition, in his village he is well-liked and respected. His friend Marjono said: “They are not afraid of him, nor are the children, because he is friendly to his friends and the kids. They give him money and sometimes take him out for walks.” Purwanto did have his tumours operated on in the past, but they grew back even worse - and now he says he does not want any further surgery as his mother forbade it. Purwanto says he is happy living alone but still hasn’t given up hope of one day meeting a partner. He added: “My hope for the future is to live a healthy life.”