Bromsgrove woman first UK patient to have type of life-changing surgery

In June 2019, Sammy Taylor underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour but sadly suffered a stroke and was left with paralysis of the right side of her face.

At the age of 25, she had to learn to walk, eat and talk again.

In September 2020, Sammy became the fourth person in the world to receive a type of facial reanimation surgery – a cross facial nerve graft.

The effects of the surgery have not been fully revealed yet as it can take years for a nerve to regrow.

Sammy after her brain tumour removal surgery in 2019.

However, Sammy can now smile again and perform facial expressions, bringing back her confidence.

“I am excited to see if there has been any more progress by next year as I cannot believe it has already been three years since my brain tumour removal surgery,” said Sammy.

“I have learned to walk again, and I have even entered a 10k race which I will be running in September with my stepsister Abbie.

“It’s going to be as hard as it would have been a challenge before my surgery, but my training is going well.”

Sammy, aged 28, is now a successful freelance mental health writer and founder of her own business – Beauty in the Brain.

She said she has learned to live with the effects of her facial paralysis and accept herself for who she is.

 “Before my surgery, I worked in finance which I didn’t really like but I was planning to go back once I felt better," said Sammy. 

“In February 2020, everything was in place for me to go back but then Covid hit and the office I worked at closed and since then I have never looked back.”