The Face of Science

» Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice and support for the visible difference community Find out what services and resources are available to people living with visible differences, to support you through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

''I started school with a prosthetic eye, so I always felt different to everyone else growing up. I was an outcast at school, and I didn’t feel I was able to be myself with many people. There were always questions about why my eye was different, constant remarks and jibes. One boy called me cyclops, while others called me Mrs Doubtfire on account of me being able to take off part of my face.

''There were so many days I would come home from school and cry into my pillow, quietly, so no one would worry about me. It was a lot for me, but also for my mum who has always been my best friend.

''When I realised that I could hide my eye with a long fringe, my confidence began to improve. From the ages of 16 to 29, I hid behind my hair and felt like I was happy. I’d made many friends and was living my life.

''Soon after I had my son, a visit to the hairdressers ended with my own personal nightmare. They cut my hair much shorter than I expected. I felt so exposed and vulnerable with my deepest insecurities now visible to the world. I remember coming home and panicking about what to do. I felt so disgusted with myself for thinking this way.

''Having a child made me realise that I never wanted him to feel the way I did. I would want him to grow up and be himself. I was a role model now. So, in a moment of madness, I grabbed a pair of clippers and shaved all my hair off.

''This was the most liberating thing I have ever done. It forced me to believe in myself. I remember looking at myself in the mirror, taking a photo, and posting it on social media – as I wanted the comments and questions to be over as quickly as possible.

''I was shocked at the response – the comments were kind and encouraging, I felt like I was waking up from a dark place. Was this really me?''

Read the rest of Stephanie's story 👉 bit.ly/3iGL9YJ

🥰

‘‘It’s good to be different. We should all be proud of who we are!’’

We were delighted to receive this letter from Lettie’s mum, Victoria. Lettie is writing to Blue Peter to tell them all about Changing Faces and why she wants every child to know that it’s okay to be different.

We hope that she gets her Blue Peter badge (and a photo of Henry the dog) very soon! ❤️

A requested colour change from dark gold to glorious gold (models and frame from a different company)

Baby Ronnie’s hand and foot model, mounted in a frame.

Amazing pictures of brothers both born with one brown eye and one blue | Metro News These stunning photographs show two adorable brothers who were born with different-coloured eyes. The siblings in Turkey each have a blue right eye and a brown left one due to...