A schoolboy who had to walk BAREFOOT until age 13 due to a childhood injury has had a life-changing surgery - and can now wear trainers for the first time in his life.

Tera, 14, was just a year old when he accidentally tipped over a pot of boiling water onto his left leg.

He suffered third degree burns that left his leg fused to his ankle and he was unable to wear shoes from then on - meaning he couldn't play football with his friends.

Tera, from a fishing village near Manakara, Madagascar, and his family were unable to pay for any further treatment.

When his mother learned that international hospital charity Mercy Ships had docked 'Africa Mercy' in Madagascar, she rushed to ensure her son got treatment.

He underwent surgery to release the burn contracture on June 27, 2024 - and can now wear shoes for the first time since he was an infant.

Tera said: "Before, I was barefoot in the streets even though it was so hot."

"Since being back from Mercy Ships, I have been able to wear shoes!"

Although Tera was too young to remember the accident, his parents told him what happened.

He said: "My mum went to the washroom, and I was crawling and knocked [the pot] over."

"The hot water spilled all over me and that is how I got burned."

With no means to pay for hospital care, his family sought out three traditional healers, each offering their own remedies, but nothing seemed to work.

Tera's wounds eventually resolved without medical intervention, but the way it healed limited his movement and he had to walk barefoot for 13 years.

Due to his injury, Tera could not take his favourite position as a goalkeeper on the football field with other local children.

He said: "I made a plastic ball, but my friends still rejected me because I can't play, so I left, crying and feeling very sad."

When volunteers from Mercy Ships spoke to Tera's mother about free surgery on board the 'Africa Mercy', she wrapped Tera's baby brother on her back and embarked on a two-day journey with her children to the ship.

After 13 long years searching for help, Tera finally went into surgery.

A skilled team led by Dr. Venter freed the burn contracture on Tera's foot in just two hours.

Dr Venter said: "He should have a normal functioning ankle now, which means he will be able wear a normal shoe and play like any other child."

Since the surgery Tera has been able to go fishing with his dad - and play football with his friends.

Tera said: "I am happy because my friends do not make fun of me anymore. We all play together now."

"The things that my friends can do, I'm also able to do them."