In 2017, Graeme underwent an attempted nasal reconstruction but ended up losing his nose. The cancer had spread to his parotid gland, causing damage to his facial nerves and leaving effects similar to those of a stroke. The following year, he was fitted with 3D-printed prosthetic eyes and noses, which not only restored some of his vision but also gave him back his confidence.
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After battling a rare tumour that destroyed half his face, Graeme Heward, 62, was fitted with 3D-printed prosthetic eyes and noses that have transformed his life. Diagnosed with aggressive sinus cancer, he is now using his story to inspire others and raise funds for cancer support charity Maggie’s Manchester.
Graeme, from Lymm, Cheshire, had a life-changing experience when he was diagnosed with a rare sinus tumour in 2010, which had profoundly affected his face. He initially thought the problems with his eye and sinus pressure he was experiencing were caused by a simple blockage in his tear duct. “For months, I thought my watery eye was just a minor problem because I wasn’t sick,” he recalls.
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However, the reality turned out to be much more serious. The tumor, which Graeme nicknamed “alien,” grew to the size of an egg, requiring him to undergo around 50 surgeries, as well as radiation and chemotherapy treatments. These procedures cost him his right eye, and much of his face was reconstructed with skin and muscle taken from his thigh.
In 2017, Graeme underwent an attempted nasal reconstruction, but ended up losing his nose. The cancer had spread to his parotid gland, causing damage to his facial nerves and leaving effects similar to those of a stroke. The following year, he received 3D-printed prosthetic eyes and noses, which not only restored some of his vision but also gave him back his confidence.
“Losing half my face was horrible and incredibly hard to get over, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I was given a prosthetic face that has made a huge difference to my life,” he told.
He is now preparing to take part in the Gran Fondo, a cycling challenge in aid of Maggie’s Manchester. He wants to inspire others to join him in the cause, which celebrates Maggie’s partnership with the UCI Cycling World Championships. “I’ve been told I’m an inspiration, but all I’ve ever tried to do is live. If I can make a difference to one person’s life and encourage them to keep fighting, that’s a huge honour,” he said.
The father of two has also shared his journey in an autobiographical book titled Riding with the Alien, which chronicles the four years that changed his life. He now plans to write the second part of his cancer journey, with the proceeds going to Maggie’s.
Dr Robin Muir, Head of Maggie’s Manchester Centre, expressed his gratitude to Graeme and everyone taking part in the Gran Fondo: “We are deeply grateful to Graeme and everyone else who is putting in the effort for this incredible event. Every pedal stroke matters as we rely on voluntary donations to continue to help as many people living with cancer as possible.”
