My daughter Giselle was born with a small red mark between her eyebrows. This mark rapidly grew into a large vascular birthmark called a haemangioma. Giselle was the most beautiful baby, however, the prominence and size of the birthmark attracted great attention. Wherever we went, people would stare, point and whisper. Some people would simply walk up and ask what was "wrong" with her.

As parents, it was challenging to have a child that looked different, principally due to the reaction of strangers. We had to deal with a range of emotions and accept the negative reactions towards our amazing baby.

We were incredibly well supported by the amazing staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital and also by Changing Faces. Changing Faces helped us to accept and deal effectively with the situation. We greatly appreciated their support and eleven years ago I made a note that one day I would give back to them.

A haemangioma is a vascular condition that shrinks over time and Giselle's birthmark has now almost completely disappeared. Other people live with facial marks, scars or conditions permanently and face daily discrimination and judgement. Please help Changing Faces support and change attitudes.     

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