Real stories

Gary developed Bell’s Palsy in his teens and felt he had to hide his struggles to appear strong. He now knows that sharing the challenges you’re facing is much more powerful.

Millie struggled to deal with people’s comments and reactions. Since working with Changing Faces, she’s grown in confidence and feels much happier.

Unexpectedly acquiring a visible difference has been hard for Sammy to deal with, but finding self-love and acceptance is her focus for the future.

Tracy developed Bell’s Palsy in 2020. Since receiving counselling from Changing Faces, she’s started to accept the “new her” and move forward with her life.

Jordan was born prematurely leading to facial paralysis. While he’s faced tough challenges, he’s gone on to achieve amazing things.

It took Catherine almost three decades to get the correct diagnosis for her visible difference. Now she campaigns, so others don’t have to go through the same.

Talking about Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and her facial paralysis online has helped Nicoya build confidence and accept her visible difference.

Kevin lost muscle control on the right side of his face after an operation as a child. He recently wrote a memoir about his life experiences.

Bethan has facial palsy. Here she talks about how reconnecting with her love of music has helped her grow in confidence and self-esteem.

With her family and employer’s support, Emma embraced her Bell's palsy and helps others feel better about their visible differences.

Running a support group for other people with facial palsy helped Sheila regain her strength and confidence.