Freya was born with facial palsy. Although it has often been a difficult path to tread through childhood, Freya was helped by lots of support from her family and the NHS. Here is Freya’s story, in her own words.
Freya as a baby
I was born with unilateral congenital facial palsy affecting the left side of my face. The reason for this was that the nerves and muscles had never formed, which is rarer than palsy caused by damage to the facial nerve during childbirth. Having facial palsy meant that I couldn’t smile and couldn’t close my left eye. In fact, I had no movement at all on the left side of my face.
When I was five, I had surgery at a hospital in London. This was the first of two operations intended to give me a smile. The surgery was done in two parts. In the first operation, surgeons found the normal facial nerve on the right (good) side of my face. They also removed a sensory nerve from the back of my leg called the sural nerve and used it as a “cable graft,” attaching one end to a branch of the facial nerve and tunnelling the other end across to the left side of my face.
Freya at school
Nine months later, I had a second, even more complex surgery. A small muscle called the pectoralis minor was taken from my chest, along with its nerve, vein and artery, and connected to the sural nerve in my left cheek. Although these surgeries left me with scars on the backs of my legs, my chest and both sides of my jaw, they made a huge difference. I still can’t close my left eye (amazingly, that has never caused a problem), but I can smile. My smile isn’t exactly the same as everyone else’s — but it’s mine, and I’m proud of it.
Psychologically, facial palsy has affected me in many ways. When I was very young, I didn’t realise my face was different. But once I started school, that quickly changed. Other children would stare, point, laugh and tease. I felt like I didn’t fit in.
At secondary school, the bullying became worse. I was told cruel things about how I looked. I often went home crying. Although the school tried to deal with it, it’s incredibly hard to speak up when your classmates are being unkind.
I didn’t always want to tell my mum either, because I knew she would immediately take action, and sometimes that felt overwhelming.
As a teenager, I struggled with my reflection. Doing my make-up would sometimes end in tears. Mirrors and photos were the hardest. Most of my selfies were taken from my “good side.” That was the side I felt safest with.
Thankfully, I had incredible support from my three older brothers, who were always protective and reminded me that bullies are often insecure themselves. Their reassurance helped shape the confidence I have today.
Freya in hospital
Teenage Freya
Now, at 27, my life looks very different. I work as a support worker — a role I genuinely love. Supporting others has given me purpose and perspective. My experiences have helped me develop empathy, patience and understanding. I know what it feels like to struggle, and that makes me more compassionate in the work I do.
This past year, I also made a big decision for my health. On 15th April 2025, I started having weight loss injections, and since then I’ve lost nearly four stone. It hasn’t just been about weight loss — it’s been about feeling healthier, stronger and more confident in myself.
Making that commitment to my wellbeing has been another reminder that I am allowed to invest in myself and make changes that help me feel my best.
I also have the most amazing supportive partner, and on 13th November this year, I am getting married. If you had told the younger version of me — the girl crying in front of the mirror — that one day she would be planning her wedding to someone who loves her exactly as she is, she probably wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am.
Proof that happiness does not depend on having a “perfect” face.
Freya taking a selfie
What Facial Palsy Has Taught Me
- You are often much harder on yourself than anyone else is.
- Most people are far more accepting than we imagine.
- Being different makes you unique — and that is something to be proud of. Bullies usually act from ignorance or their own insecurity.
- Real beauty has nothing to do with perfect symmetry. It comes from kindness, strength and authenticity.
Positivity and self-belief are powerful tools.
Growing up in a world that constantly sends messages about how girls “should” look is tough. But I’ve learned that strength, character and compassion matter far more than appearance.
Little Girl Me vs Bride Me ❤️
Little Girl Me
Hiding behind mirrors and selfies.
Crying after looking at photos.
Believing that being different was a flaw.
Thinking that happiness would only come if I “fit in.”
Afraid of being noticed, laughed at, or judged.
Bride Me (27 years old)
Standing tall, nearly four stone lighter, stronger and healthier.
Smiling at every photo, from every angle.
Knowing my uniqueness is my strength, not a weakness.
Excited to marry the man who loves me exactly as I am, on 13th November.
Proud of every scar, every challenge, every moment that made me resilient.
The journey wasn’t just about surgery, or weight loss, or what anyone else thought.
It was about learning to love myself fully, trust my strength, and embrace the woman I’ve become.
Watch Me
They said I was different.
They stared.
They pointed.
They whispered.
I went home and cried.
I avoided mirrors.
I perfected my “good side.”
I learned how to shrink myself before anyone else could.
But here’s what they didn’t see:
The surgeries.
The strength.
The resilience building quietly underneath the insecurity.
On 15th April 2025, I made another choice.
I chose growth. I chose discipline. I chose me.
Nearly four stone later, yes — my body has changed.
But my mindset? That’s the real transformation.
I don’t shrink anymore.
I don’t let insecurity make my decisions.
I am 27.
I am a support worker.
I’ve overcome bullying.
I’ve built confidence from the ground up.
And on 13th November, I will walk down the aisle knowing I am loved exactly as I am.
To the girl who cried in the mirror — watch me.
To anyone who ever doubted me — watch me.
To the future I’m building — I’m ready. 👰
Disclaimer: Please note that views expressed are person’s own and should not be considered a recommendation of particular medical treatments, therapies or surgeries. We would always advise you seek advice from a health professional with experience in facial palsy who can assess your individual needs.