Lyn, 56, Colchester

As the mother of someone with a facial disfigurement I have tried to articulate why I disagree with some aspects of the campaign. My daughter I believe, is extremely well adjusted to her difference and has no issues explaining why she looks different. She says it gets rid of "the elephant in the room" and is no longer focused upon. I think the contributor above, Laura from Suffolk, summed it up perfectly. I don't think that the brain can process images that are different and an automatic reaction is to take a second look, my daughter understands this and never feels negative towards people who "second look" as she puts it. I am not sure it is possible to stop this reaction and if you can, please educate us how too.

Charlotte Cooper, 19, Norfolk

I was born with a birth mark on the right side of my face, which doctors have referred to as a 'nevus'. Neither my friends, family or myself have never met anyone with anything remotely similar to what i have, which leads me to believe that I really am unique. I have had numerous operations to try and remove my birth mark, including laser surgery for a number of years when I was alot younger which was unsuccessful, and, in more recent years, I have been having surgery to try and cut the nevus away from my face as I have been told that if I do not have it removed, it could become more severe in the later stages of my life. I partially agree with previous comments about how difficult life can be when u suffer from a facial disfigurement, as I myself have suffered from elongated starings from people and snide comments and remarks, some as original as 'scarface'! I can honestly say though that I did have a happy chilhood and adolescent life. I've never really suffered any major set backs in my life, given I am only 19 still.. I have a very supportive family, friends and boyfriend who all understand my situation and have all accepted me as a normal person, regardless of my birth mark. If anything, I think having this 'disfigurement' has made me a stronger person. I think it's really great that people are finally coming together to share their experiences and show their support for face equality, as i too believe that everybody is equal and should be given respect. People with facial disfigurements may be a bit physically different, but we are not emotionally different to any other person in this world, so why should we be treated any differently?

Laura, 36, Suffolk

The film of the girl in the lift being stared at really made me think about my own reactions. If I notice something out of the ordinary it catches my eye and I tend to look at it slightly longer than usual until I understand what I am seeing. This applies to people with any difference including unusual faces. I'm not wanting to stare but when I then realise I have looked at someone for a fraction of a second longer than usual I'm then unsure how to react. I usually then try to smile but then think thats a bit strange as I don't normally go around smiling at strangers so I then look away. I probably look like some of the people in the film except I don't try the sneaky glance bit. I'm sorry my reactions might offend or have upset people. I'd be happy to try change if people had any suggestions for what to do instead once you realise you are looking longer than usual at someone with a facial disfigurement. Your campaign has lots of advice for people in positions of power but it would be nice to have some advice for the public too.

dawn, 38, merseyside

Having been born with colaboma (small eye syndrome) and various other eye conditions, my eyes look constantly closed , (although they are not) I have a lttle sight, the perceptions of the public are very bad, I have for many years been accused of being drunk, on drugs, shop lifting, all this because I look different. A lot of work needs to be done to change the perceptions of people who have no understanding of what being different is.

Eugene, 73, Hayes Middx

About 25 years ago I developed Vitiligo firstly on my face and it gradually spread to other parts of my body. I have been involved with the Vitiligo Society for many years and had the experience of being the secretary for 2 years and have had a close contact with Changing Faces and am pleased to lend my support on this new venture. Best Wishes Eugene D'Cruz

Fiona, 29, Buckingham

I was born with a large Port Wine Stain on the right side of my face. My parents always made me feel that I was treasured and referred to my birthmark as my "hallmark" as, after all, precious things all bear hallmarks! Being frank, I did have a dreadful time at senior school, mainly due to ignorance. How I wish Changing Faces had been around then to help both me, my fellow students and the teachers to deal with the fact that I looked a bit different and had certain needs. Looking back, I think those difficulties spurred me on in my desire to prove myself although starting work and dealing with the public has certainly had its moments. However, I am now a successful Solicitor and partner in a law firm specialising in employment law. I always make sure that I encourage my clients to take an inclusive approach to employing people no matter what their appearance. I'm also getting married this Saturday to my wonderful husband to be who tells me I am beautiful all the time! I fully back Changing Faces' campaign. I really believe that society as a whole, even including those who regularly come into contact with people who look different, such as some health professionals, can learn how to make the world a fairer, more equal place.

JEAN EDWARDS, 60, FARNBOROUGH, HAMPSHIRE

in 2002 I was diagnosed with a rare form of facial cancer - the tumour being situated in the ethmoid cavity between the eyes at the top of my nose. In order to remove the tumour I had to have the top part of my nose completely removed. For the first year or so I had to wear a large, very obvious dressing to cover the hole in my face, before being fitted with a prosthetic device. I was subjected to many "funny" comments from total strangers who seemed to think my face was their property. Eventually I grew a thick enough skin (no pun intended!!) to look these people straight in the eye and say 'Yes, I've had cancer - do you have a problem with that?' In the past 18 months I have undergone plastic surgery which has been very successful and restored my features to pre-2002 and I'm just so very, very thankful to be alive and that the ENT teams and Plastic Surgery teams have got the skills and dedication to restore me to a full and happy life again. Far too much emphasis is placed on the 'perfect' appearance these days - the perfect figure, the perfect complexion. We are who we are and we are loved by our family and friends for the person we are. Yes, having a facial disfigurement is a dreadful experience - I know only too well and my heart goes out to all those who have suffered more severe disfigurements than I have had. I consider myself to have been one of the lucky ones who have now stepped out of the tunnel and into the light again.