CARTER GENTLE IS only 7 years old but has already undergone five open-heart surgeries in his life.

A photo of Carter with scars on his chest has gone viral after his Dad, country singer Mark Gentle, posted it on Facebook asking people to like it to show support for his son’s bravery.

He put up the photo after Carter became upset when he saw his scars from his most recent surgery.

Gentle posted: “We were a little apprehensive to post this but I feel it’s important. Carter took his bandages off this morning. He cried for 45 minutes when he saw his scars.

He said that he’s afraid people will think he is ugly. This was hard to hear as a parent. We told him that his scars are beautiful and make him look like a superhero.

“How many likes can Carter get for his bravery?! Feel free to share.”

The post currently has over a million likes and has been shared almost 100,000 times with thousands of comments for Carter:

“Your scars will be your reminder of how brave and special you truly are…wear them proud baby boy, never be ashamed of where you’ve been or what you have been through…be proud of surviving and still being able to smile, live and be happy.”

“My hero, you’re tougher than most adults, a real warrior, you look beautiful!”

“Little man you wear those scars well!! Your handsome inside and out!! Those scars are your storyline!!”

Gentle released ‘Carter’s Song’  to try and help spread awareness for childhood congenital heart defects (CHD). In it he tells the story of his son’s illness: