Vikki’s story: “Losing my face didn’t erase me, it uncovered me”
Acquiring a facial difference after cancer led to Vikki rebuilding her identity. She realised that her value never came from her appearance, but from her character.
Real stories
Read or listen to real stories from people affected by visible difference, their parents and families, as well as Changing Faces staff and volunteers. Inspired to share your story? We’d love to hear it – share your story now.
All stories
Sarah’s story: “Celebrate diversity and model respect in everything you do”
As a teacher, Sarah is passionate about educating children about visible difference and using her experience of having a birthmark to encourage acceptance.
Ashleigh’s story: “Having my children gave me a strength I didn’t know I had”
Growing up with NF1 was tough for Ashleigh. Feeling like she didn’t belong caused her to hide away. But, having children made her want to accept herself to show them difference is nothing to be ashamed of.
Jono Lancaster’s letter to his younger self
This Christmas, author and presenter, Jono Lancaster has written a letter to his younger self, reassuring him that love and acceptance is part of his future.
Embrace your visible difference: a message to my younger self
Embracing your visible difference: Our campaigners share messages to their younger selves, encouraging them to learn to love themselves as they are.
Eli’s story: “I don’t let my scoliosis define or limit me”
Having scoliosis made Eli feel insecure about his body. Now, as a model, he hopes to show people that they deserve to be seen, and to live without shame.
Enoch’s story: “I wouldn’t be me without my cleft lip and palate”
Enoch was bullied because of his cleft, causing him to develop anxiety. While he still has tough days, he’s found a community of people online and in real life who love him for who he is.
Chloe’s story: “Counselling has helped me be kinder to myself”
Being bullied growing up badly impacted Chloe’s mental health. Now she is learning to accept her facial palsy, with the support of loved ones and Changing Faces.
Lacey’s story: “Growing up with a birthmark and Sturge-Weber syndrome”
Lacey was born with a port wine stain birthmark and Sturge-Weber syndrome. Mum Sara hopes that Lacey’s resilience isn’t impacted by the ignorance of others as she grows up.
Mary’s story: “My haemangioma no longer makes me feel less than”
Mary has hidden her haemangioma all her life, but Changing Faces’ counselling service has helped her to break down the walls she’d built around herself.
Jen’s story: “Skin Camouflage helps me live with my telangiectasias”
Jen has telangiectasias on her legs and has been keeping them covered for years. Changing Faces’ Skin Camouflage Service has helped her to step out of her comfort zone.
Equal opportunity: Creating space for actors with visible differences
As an actor, campaigner Beau worries about how their visible difference might limit the roles available to them, due to casting biases. They talk about how actors with visible differences need to be seen on screen as more than just villains.