I was born with Craniosynostosis which affects my skull, jaw, fingers, toes and speech

Hannah is from Birmingham, and this is her visible difference story….

I was born with complex Craniosynostosis, which affects my skull, jaw, fingers, toes and my speech. I had operations at two months and 15 months old at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Growing up I had to go for regular speech therapy, and the Craniosynostosis meant I had to have various braces and jaw braces.

I was very badly bullied at school and college due to my visible difference. I was called so many names every single day; laughed at, stared at – and told that I would never get a boyfriend due to how I looked.

As you can imagine, this really damaged my self-confidence. When it came to finishing college and finding employment I was so scared that I would be bullied – it took me a long while to have the confidence to apply for a job.

After a few years I finally had the courage to apply thanks to my family and a company who help people with learning difficulties get into work. During those years I built up my confidence and felt more positive about myself. A few years later I finally got a wonderful job which I’m still in now.

I am very happy in this job, and have met so many awesome people. Through my job I have made a lot of friends, and met my boyfriend.

My self-confidence has grown, but sadly I do still get stared at, and there are still some very unkind people around. That can be a massive challenge for me; even more so when I do get a cruel comment or laughed at.

The comments still really hurt but I have learned to remember never to let anyone bring me down; how far I have come; how I’m wonderful the way I am; and to never let anyone dampen my sparkle.

If you’re reading this and recognise some of the experiences I’ve had, remember you are a wonderful person, you are unique, and being unique is awesome!

For more visible difference stories, or to submit yours, head over to our Your Stories page >>> changingfaces.org.uk/advice...

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Thanks so much Hannah for sharing your story. Yes, I can relate to many things you mentioned but I’m so happy to hear how rich and rewarding your life is now.

[sweetiepye]

I admit I do not understand people who want to name call or bully. I do know I'm not interested in their opinion . I would ask someone who called me a name why they needed to do that solely to put ownership back on them.

[Mousemix]

When someone stares, smile and wave!