Hattie Colwell was aged 24 and working in Canada as a live‑in nanny when she began experiencing persistent headaches, dizziness and nausea. As her symptoms worsened, she sought medical advice and was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
She underwent surgery in Canada in May 2023, supported by her family who travelled overseas to be with her. Following the operation, Hattie developed facial palsy, a condition affecting movement and tone on the left side of her face.
Hattie was referred to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for specialist care upon her return.
Due to the complexity of her pervious surgery, facial palsy often needs input from many different specialists, Hattie’s care has been carefully coordinated across several teams in the Trust. This included looking at options to help restore her smile, as well as providing psychological support throughout her journey. She was referred to Consultant Plastic Surgeon Miss Touil and the specialist facial palsy service at the Clarendon Wing, Leeds General Infirmary, for ongoing treatment and support.
Hattie has since shared her thanks to the teams involved in her care.
“I would really like to thank the teams at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. From the beginning, I felt listened to and supported. They took the time to understand not just my condition, but how it was affecting me day to day.”
Her care brought together surgical expertise and psychological support, helping her manage both the physical and emotional impact of facial palsy, which can leave one side of the face with a drooping appearance and challenges with blinking, eating or speaking.
“The care has been exceptional. Everyone works together and you feel supported throughout. It has made a real difference to my recovery. “It’s been challenging at times, but it feels really positive to be getting my independence back.”
As part of her treatment, Hattie has undergone several procedures to help restore movement and improve function of her face. She continues to receive follow‑up care while rebuilding her independence. She has returned to work and recently moved into her own home.
Alongside her recovery, Hattie is now supporting others affected by facial palsy through her involvement with the charity Facial Palsy UK.
Miss Touil, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“Hattie’s journey reflects both the challenges of facial palsy and the importance of specialist, multidisciplinary care. Our focus is always on supporting patients as individuals, combining surgical expertise with rehabilitation and psychological support to achieve the best possible outcomes. It’s been a privilege to be part of Hattie’s recovery and to see the progress she has made. She truly is an inspirational young lady and is now supporting others”
Hattie hopes that by sharing her experience, she can highlight both the challenges of the condition and the impact of receiving the right care.