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0:00:26 > 0:00:29- Richard Hughes - was born with a brain tumour.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- It's been a roller-coaster ride, - in and out of hospital.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41- Scarred by surgery, he's - endured years of pain and cruelty.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- I wouldn't like to be in his shoes, - all the things he's been through.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- It's bullying, nothing else.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- I wasn't hit or anything, - it was just name calling.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- He'd cry and say, "Mam, these - children are calling me names."
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- Elephant Man...
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- ..Michael Jackson, - Hole-InThe-Head Boy.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- I remember looking in the mirror - and telling myself...
0:01:09 > 0:01:14- .."This is me, and if people - can't deal with that, tough."
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- He's undergone 15 operations - on his face and head.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- In order to recreate his forehead, - he's going under the knife...
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- ..for the last time.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- I've been waiting - for this operation for two years.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34- It'll be nice to get it over with - and carry on with life.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- Behind the Scar
0:01:48 > 0:01:53- I'm feeling excited to have it done. - I just hope this'll be the last.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- Richard and fiancee Ffion are - attending a hospital appointment.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- The surgery - he faces in a couple of weeks...
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- ..is the culmination of - many procedures to rebuild his face.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08- I'll probably be picked - for that George Clooney ad.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- They'll want me to do it - after this operation.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- George Clooney'll - have nothing on me then!
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- You're much more handsome - than George Clooney, I'd say.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- Why would I want George Clooney - when I've got Richard Hughes?
0:02:24 > 0:02:30- Richard has been back and forth - hospitals in Liverpool since birth.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- He will undergo his last procedure - at Aintree University Hospital.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- It's just down here, - turn right and you're there.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- Surgeons will insert implants - into Richard's forehead.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- Today they must check everything's - in place before surgery.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- Mr Richardson, the surgeon, has - treated Richard many times before.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- That's your scan. - This is the side view.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08- This is the eye socket, this is - the nose, which has been affected...
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- ..by the original problem.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- The forehead and brow - are set too far back...
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- ..so we want to bring them forward - to make it look like other people's.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- Lean towards me a little way.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- Richard - has no bone in half his forehead.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- Several attempts to rectify this - have led to nasty infections.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- There's now an opportunity - for one final attempt.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- It won't bring things - a long way forward...
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- ..because the position is good now.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38- ..because the position is good now.- - Thanks very much.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- We'll see you again.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- I've known them all my life.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- It's good that I'm still under - the same team who know my history...
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- ..and know everything about me.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- Newborough on Anglesey.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- It was here - that Richard was raised...
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- ..by his parents, David and Blodwen.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- You'd been born a couple of hours.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- I didn't see you. - They had to rush you to Liverpool.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- Dad went with you.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- Here you are in the incubator.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- It took them seven weeks - to find out what was wrong with you.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- They thought - they were polyps but they weren't.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- You had a tumour.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- They gave you chemo - but the tumour didn't shrink at all.
0:04:44 > 0:04:50- They said, "The only option is to - use a special knife from America."
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- They opened up your face.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- You went into theatre at 8.00am...
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- ..and by 2.00pm, - it had all gone well.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- They removed the tumour.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12- Since the age of four, Richard - has faced all kinds of procedures...
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- ..which have caused facial - impairments and lots of bullying.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- You don't get so many people - staring at you anymore.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- Well, I do, but I can - put up with it a bit better now.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- It used to annoy me - when people would stare at you.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- I know, you'd get really angry.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- You didn't do a thing. - "Just open your mouth."
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- Rob is a childhood friend and has - been a real support for Richard.
0:05:42 > 0:05:42- Come on, I'll buy you chips.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- Come on, I'll buy you chips.- - Cheers, mate.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- He was a quiet lad. He didn't - come out much when he was younger.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- I found it hard to make friends - other than those I knew.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- The name calling and whispering - and people pointing and laughing.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09- His facial scars were a source of - amusement for children and adults.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Richard had to deal with - a torrent of abuse.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- When we'd go to places like Bangor, - people would stare at him.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- Someone might say something - and it used to anger me.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- He can't help the way he looks.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32- If the person's suffering, - why make fun of that person?
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- What for? - Just for a laugh with friends?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- But it's not a laugh, is it?
0:06:42 > 0:06:47- After having the tumour removed - and knowing the cancer had gone...
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- ..Richard fell ill again - when he was four years old...
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- ..with painful headaches.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- They took you to Walton.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- They scanned you and said to me...
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- .."Mrs Hughes, - I think the tumour's back...
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- "..but we'll scan him tomorrow.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- "Again."
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- You had an abscess - on the dormant side of the brain.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- If that had burst, - it would've killed you.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- You've been in and out ever since.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- HE WHIMPERS
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- You used to cry in pain.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- Dad didn't know what to do.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- They said, "Put him in the pram - and take him around."
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- You liked looking at the pictures. - You remember that, anyway.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- Along the corridors.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- I hated it every time - he went into theatre.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- When we fed him, - he couldn't catch his breath.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- He made a lot of noise.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- BREATHES HEAVILY
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- He was a very weak child.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- I broke my heart over him.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- # Happy birthday to you #
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- Every birthday was special...
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- ..and Blodwen and David appreciated - every moment with their son.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- It was a close family unit.
0:08:22 > 0:08:23- Can we eat now?
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- Can we eat now?- - Yes.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34- Over the past 10 years, his mother's - health has deteriorated...
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- ..and Richard - has had to care for her.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- A year and a half ago, - they were dealt another blow...
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- ..when his father died suddenly.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- He misses him desperately.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- Today, Richard is going to have - a tattoo of his father on his back.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- I was looking through photos of him - and this was the one that stood out.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- It captures - Dad's smile and mischief.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- He played jokes on everyone.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- His personality - comes through in this photo.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Who's best mate? Who's best mate?
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- Who's best mate?
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Richard and his father - were exceptionally close...
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- ..especially when he helped Richard - deal with the bullying.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- He was - more of a best mate than a father.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- He told me not to listen to them. - He spoke at school dozens of times.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- I remember him - coming in one time during a lesson.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- They based the lesson on me.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- About my illness...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- ..and why I looked the way I did.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- A lot of it stopped after that.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- There were - more and more spells in hospital...
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- ..and despite all the support, - the bullying continued.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- Richard left school at 13...
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- ..and was home schooled.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- I did my GCSEs at home. - I didn't do very well.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- I started volunteering - at Clwb Ni in Llangefni...
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- ..which is a youth club - for children with special needs.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- By volunteering there, I did my - Youth Achievement Platinum Award.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- I was the first person in Wales - to do it.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- That led to me volunteering...
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- ..at Ysgol Y Bont, Llangefni...
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- ..as a classroom assistant.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- I was taken on - and stayed for three years.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- It always pained Dad - that I couldn't find employment.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- When he found out - I'd got the job in Ysgol Y Bont...
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- ..he was very proud - and told everyone about it!
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- This tattoo - will be a constant reminder of him.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Is this - where your father liked to come?
0:11:06 > 0:11:07- Yes. He'd come every day.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- Yes. He'd come every day.- - Did he like coming for walks here?
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Yes. - He'd also go to the island to fish.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- Now there's someone else - in Richard's life...
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- ..who's just as supportive - as his father.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- We met on a dating site.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- I remember seeing a photo of Ffion, - thinking, should I message her?
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- I jibbed out to begin with.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- But then I noticed - that she'd looked at my photo too...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- ..so I decided to message her.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- When I saw his photo, - I thought he was a bad boy..
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- ..because of his scars, his nose...
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- ..and all his tattoos.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- We clicked straightaway.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- The saying's true - - never judge a book.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- I did, in his case, - but how wrong was I?
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- He explained to me about the scars.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- They didn't bother me at all. - I just liked the person.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- We never have disagreements, - we never argue about anything.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- She's literally - the female version of me.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- I remember when I left you...
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- ..you sent me a message saying...
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- .."Sorry I didn't give you a kiss."
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- He says I ran away before - he had the chance to kiss me...
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- ..but you don't kiss - on the first date, do you?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Aah, cute!
0:12:43 > 0:12:43- .
0:12:47 > 0:12:47- Subtitles
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- Richard Hughes - was born with a brain tumour...
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- ..which has left him - with deep scars on his face.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- He's battled health problems - and a great deal of bullying.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- At home in Newborough on Anglesey...
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- ..his friends have been supportive.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- Good start!
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- I'm a team captain. We play - every Thursday night in a league.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- I'll take every chance I get to - practise because I'm poor sometimes.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Other times I'm fine.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- Other times I'm fine.- - Go on!
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Foul. Two shots, free table.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- Because he had scars, - people would stare.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- I remember him starting secondary - school, and as children can be...
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- ..they didn't know what - he'd been through and were cruel.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- I wouldn't like to be in his shoes, - all the things he's been through.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- People have said - awful things to him.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- It's bullying, nothing else.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- There are spiteful, - horrible people out there.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- These lads - have been great with me for years.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- They've been there for me - when I've needed them.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- We have a laugh.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- What do you have there?
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Class!
0:14:32 > 0:14:37- Despite his problems, Richard has - always wanted to help others...
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- ..by doing voluntary work.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- The pool lads helped me a lot. - I've worked with disabled children.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- I taught them - how to play pool properly...
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- ..and they loved it.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- It was rewarding - seeing the youngsters progress.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- I put what I've been given - into action to help others.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- His childhood was very uncertain.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- Nobody knew - what the future held for him.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Watch your head! Right, come on.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Come on.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- There you go. Come on.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- Nobody was more proud - of his achievement...
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- ..than his mother, Blodwen.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- I've worried a lot about him.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- I never thought he'd be here today.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- A lot of Newborough people - talk about him...
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- ..and how well he's done.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- I'm proud of Richard. He has - a good job and he has a girlfriend.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- I was worried he'd be alone.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- But I'm glad he's met Ffion.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- If anything should happen to me...
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- ..at least I know he'll be alright.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- My hero.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- He's done very well indeed.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- A fortnight - after filming with his mother...
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- ..Blodwen passed away - after years of illness.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- We've been used to her - going in and out of hospital...
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- ..but there was nothing - they could do for her this time.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- As a family, we took the decision...
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- ..to switch off - her life-support machine.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40- Throughout all my operations and - illness, she's always been there.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- She's been brilliant with me - over the years.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- It'd odd, I check my phone every day - for messages from her.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- A huge loss.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- The day of the surgery - has arrived...
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- ..and for the first time, Richard - faces it without his parents.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- Richard Hughes? - If you'd like to come through.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- Ffion and her mother, Nia, have - come to support Richard this time.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- He's undergone - this operation twice before...
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- ..and both times it has been - unsuccessful due to an infection.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- All set? You know - what we're doing, don't you?
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- You've had it all done before. - Do you want me to explain?
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- No, it's fine.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- They're going to open up - the same scar from ear to ear...
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- ..and attach implants - to the bone on the left side...
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- ..to smooth out the forehead so - there's structure on the right side.
0:17:56 > 0:17:57- Thanks very much.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Thanks very much.- - I'll see you shortly.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- It's amazed me how good he's been.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- Just how strong he is.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- I've been very nervous. - I don't know what to expect.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- I'm just looking forward - to getting it over with.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- Richard Hughes? Are you ready?
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- Good luck.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- Richard's surgery - is expected to take four hours.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- It's going to be - a long four hours for Ffion.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- At only 24 years old, Richard has - already undergone 15 procedures...
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- ..on his face and head.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- I had my first operation - when I was six months old.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- I had another when I was four.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- I had another when I was about 10, - which was a skin graft...
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- ..on the top of my nose.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- I had one when I was 17, when they - took cartilage from my kidney...
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- ..to make a bridge for my nose.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Then I had one two years ago...
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- ..to save one side of the bone - on my forehead...
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- ..to avoid having large implants.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I've been waiting - for this operation for two years.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- It'll be nice to get it over with - so that I can get on with my life.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- Richard has been - under the knife for an hour...
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- ..and Mr Richardson, the surgeon, - has operated on him before.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- He's a very nice guy. He's - put up with a lot. Very stoical.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- He's a pleasure to treat.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- Richard's old scar - has been opened...
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- ..and they're ready to insert - the new implant in his forehead.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- I'm looking forward - to getting it over with.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- This is all new to me. I haven't - seen him have an op before.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- I don't know what to expect - when I see him, but I can't wait.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- This time, the implants...
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- ..are made from PVC and plastic.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- Hopefully it'll be a success.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- It's going very well.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- The implants are custom-made - just for Richard...
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- ..using his CT scan - as a three-dimensional image.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- So the model's printed - to a good fit to his skull shape.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- It's gone very well.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- We're concerned about infections...
0:20:27 > 0:20:32- ..because there's always a risk - and you can't eliminate that risk.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- With a bit of luck, he won't - get an infection this time...
0:20:37 > 0:20:42- ..and he'll have benefited - without needing anything else done.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- But so far, so good.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- I've never seen him with a forehead.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- It'll be a different Rich!
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- A day after the surgery...
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- ..Ffion's stayed in Liverpool - to look after Richard.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11- How do you feel?
0:21:11 > 0:21:12- How do you feel?- - Great.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- I'm looking forward to getting the - scar cleaned and going for a wash.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- Well, he can finally go home.
0:21:26 > 0:21:27- Glad to see the back of this place?
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- Glad to see the back of this place?- - Oh, yes. Definitely.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Give them a little wave.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Home, James.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- It's three months - since Richard had his surgery...
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- ..and there have been major changes.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- Not only has his - facial reconstruction finished...
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- ..he now lives across the water - with Ffion in Caernarfon.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Their focus now is on their wedding.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- Shame there are no suits for you.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- Shame there are no suits for you.- - Yes, but...
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- ..you'll have to - be in charge of that.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- It's a relief for Richard that - the implant has been a success.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- It felt odd at first...
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- ..because I no longer had a dip.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- It was more rounded off...
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- ..and it felt like I had - a large forehead at first...
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- ..because I wasn't used to it, - but it feels great now.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- I don't think many couples have gone - through what we've been through.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- It's been tough - but we've had each other.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- For me, he's a hero.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- He proves - that life is there for the taking...
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- ..and to enjoy every day.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- I was very aware - of how I looked years ago...
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- ..and felt - I had to fit into a certain image.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- But I don't care any more.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- People still stare, but not as bad.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- I don't let them bother me.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- I have confidence now - whereas I had none before.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32- I look forward to getting married, - having children and buying a house.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- I want to live life to the full.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:57 > 0:23:57- .