A brave mother of four who lost half
her face to cancer has released pictures of the reconstruction
surgery to raise awareness.
Helen Butchart underwent a 22-hour operation on the tumour, which
was diagnosed after dental treatment failed to cure a swelling on the
right side of her face.
The cancer was so aggressive that surgeons at the Southern General
hospital in Glasgow were forced to make Helen a new cheekbone and palate
using bone from her shoulder blade, as well as removing her right eye.
Yesterday, the 54-year old, from Lochgelly, Fife, released
pictures of her face taken in the days and weeks after the surgery.
She wants to raise money for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Endowments fund which raises cash to pay for extra equipment, research,
training and patient comfort.
She has already raised more than
£8,000.
Last year Helen, who has run her own flower shop for 17 years, was
treated by her dentist after complaining about swelling in her face.
Helen said: ‘I have nothing but praise and respect for the
surgeons who helped me through that difficult time.’
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