Real stories

Gary has been given the choice of having reconstructive surgery, but having reached a place of acceptance, it’s a difficult decision to make.

While Derek’s appearance has changed following major surgery, he wants to show the world that he’s still the same person he always was.

Daniel lost his eye to cancer in 2012. He now shares his story to help people who look different feel seen, heard, and more positively represented.

Dave joined our online group support, Peer Group Chat, because he wanted to connect with people who could relate to having a visible difference.

Gary acquired a visible difference after a cancer diagnosis. No longer recognising the man in the mirror was tough, but now he’s using his experience to educate others.

When John lost his eye, he became more aware of the attitudes that people have towards those who look different. Now he is finding his new normal.

Sue had a tumor removed from her cheek last year. She joined our Peer Group Chat service to process the emotional impact of looking different after her surgery.

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.

Crystal talks about studying at LAMDA drama school and why it's important that actors with visible differences get the chance to play more diverse roles.

Paulette explains how being open and honest about her birthmark has helped her to feel much more confident in her own skin.

Actor Crystal, who has a skin flap on her right cheek, is determined that actors with visible differences should be seen and heard.

Stephanie used to hide her visible difference, but becoming a mum (not to mention a brave haircut!) led her to self-acceptance.