Rebuilding Confidence After a Devastating Face Injury

• Spire Nottingham Hospital Helps Firework Safety Campaigner Rebuild Life After Devastating Horse Kick 

When 72-year-old Julie, a passionate national firework safety campaigner and founder of The Firework Campaign UK, was kicked in the face by one of her own horses, her life changed in an instant.

The incident occurred when Julie was tending her horses, resulting in a kick that caused a laceration on her face and a bleed on the brain. This led to severe facial injuries, including the loss of teeth, gums, and damage to the surrounding tissues, leaving holes in her face. After being taken by her husband and daughter to Queen’s Medical Centre for emergency treatment, Julie underwent transformative reconstructive surgery at Spire Nottingham Hospital.

Julie chose to come to Spire Nottingham Hospital under her insurance plan, which meant she could access specialist care more quickly. She opted for Spire Nottingham Hospital based on a previous positive experience with one of the surgeons, which gave her confidence in the care she would receive.

The reconstructive surgery was a collaborative effort, including three Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Mr Andrew Sidebottom, Mr Rory O’Connor, and Miss Nabeela Ahmed, together with Mr Neil Poyser, Consultant in Restorative Dental Surgery. They rebuilt her face with remarkable precision and care.

Despite challenges like partial facial numbness and the inability to whistle –a skill she previously used to communicate with her horses and dogs –Julie has remained resilient. Just six months after surgery Julie was back on the fields with her beloved horses and appearing on television for her national firework safety campaign. 

Julie returning to riding after her surgery

Mr Sidebottom, Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon at Spire Nottingham Hospital said: “The fact she was able to appear on TV just 6 months after her completed reconstruction is testament to the recovery she made.”

Julie expressed her gratitude towards the hospital and surgeons, she said: “I could not criticize anything for my treatment at Spire Nottingham”, “The surgeons were so amazing, people don’t know that I’ve had surgery on my face” adding that “It was a happy accident that the surgeon was so good, it saved me.” 

Julie following her reconstructive surgery at Spire Nottingham Hospital