Too big for his boots

Standing at 2.36m, Bao Xishun - the world's tallest man - outshines even Yao Ming in terms of height. And last Saturday, he proved he has a heart to match his size when he came to Hong Kong to help raise funds for local charity Yan Oi Tong.

Life as a giant has not always been easy, says Mr Bao, who has to watch his head in doorways - in fact, everywhere he goes indoors. His clothes have to be custom-made, and, until not so long ago, so did his shoes.

'My mother used to make my shoes,' he says.

Today, Mr Bao orders his shoes from Germany, which produces a size 19.

Travelling is also an issue because Mr Bao is too big to ride comfortably in a car.

'When I took the flight to Hong Kong, I occupied three economy seats and had to sit sideways.'