Facial Palsy UK Volunteer Bethan becomes a UK Point of Light

August 18, 2014

Before the accident

When Bethan Robertson-Smith had a car accident six years ago, she woke up from a coma like a small child and had to learn to walk, talk and eat again. Her head took the full brunt of the accident and she was also left with facial weakness due to her facial nerves being damaged. In the early days it was thought that her facial paralysis may be temporary but in fact she was left with permanent bilateral facial palsy, unable to smile, close her mouth or blink her eyes, and struggling to eat, drink and speak.

Bethan says; “When I first woke up from my coma, one of my eyes was closed and one was open.  I opened both eyes and then found I couldn’t close them again. My mouth was constantly open and even if I tried to hold my lower lip up with my fingers, as soon as I took my hand away my mouth would fall open again. Little did I know, this was to be the case for the next three years.”

Nearly three years later

As anyone who has ever suffered the more common condition Bell’s palsy will know, the letter B is incredibly difficult to say when you have facial paralysis and Bethan still struggles to say her own name. Despite being unable to make any facial expression and living with a brain injury also caused by the accident, Bethan never gave up hope that one day she might be able to smile again. Facial Palsy UK did not exist when Bethan had her accident and it was very difficult for her to find any information about help or support available for people with facial palsy. It was nearly three years later when Bethan found a surgeon who could help her, she had to have several surgeries but is now able to close her mouth, close her eyes (with the aid of surgically implanted platinum chains) and has regained some facial expression. Things are improving all the time.

Bethan doesn’t want others affected by facial palsy to struggle to find help and support and she was delighted when she was approached to help with the launch of Facial Palsy UK in 2012, the first charity of its kind. Bethan immediately started fundraising for our fledgling charity and raised over £4,000 in our first few months. As well as continuing to fundraise Bethan has also helped to launch a Facial Palsy UK Support Group in Bristol, bringing hope and support to many more people affected by the condition.

Bethan with her award

Bethan’s work for the charity was today recognised by the Prime Minister David Cameron as she became the 88th Point of Light in the UK. The Points of Light Awards recognise outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day someone across the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

These awards have been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in America, which was established by President George. H. W. Bush, and has since recognised over 5000 individuals and has the support of President Barack Obama.

The Point of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across England and is truly deserved by Bethan for all that she does.

Congratulations Bethan!

Read more about Bethan’s story here.

Meet Bethan at CCR EXPO.

Find out more about Facial Palsy UK’s Research Appeal