A MOTHER of four who lost half her face to cancer has released pictures of the reconstruction surgery in a bid to raise cash for charity.
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.
Surgeons at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow were forced to make Mrs Butchart, 54, of Lochgelly, Fife, a new cheekbone and palate using bone from her shoulder blade, as well as removing her right eye.
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 for the fund.
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.
She was treated with antibiotics and the removal of three teeth but that failed to deal with the problem and earlier this year she was diagnosed with maxillary sinus cancer.
She said: " The tumour had eaten into my right cheekbone, right eye and palate.
"I was in great pain by the beginning of February and was on morphine day and night.
"They had to create a new cheekbone and palate - my right scapula (shoulder blade) was used to do this.
"The skin on my face had stretched too much and was so thin they had to give me a flap. They also removed lymph nodes on the right-hand side."
Mrs Butchart underwent her life-changing operation in February. The cancer was cut out and her reconstructed her face in a 22-hour procedure. She was back home within 10 days.
After she put the images online, Helen's niece wrote: "Aunty Helen you are the bravest woman I know and a true inspiration to everyone"
Mrs Butchart said: "I have nothing but praise and respect for the surgeons who helped me through that difficult time."
Cancer Support Scotland chief executive Colin Graham said: "If this makes even one person go to the doctor and get checked out, Helen's doing a grand job."
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