Brave Ellen faces future with optimism

Ellen, 18, has spent her life dealing with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis, which causes huge growths along her facial nerves.

The massive tumours have left her dis-

figured and deaf in one ear, where pressure from a growth in her cheek deformed her ear canal.

But despite being in and out of hospital, taunted in the street and living under the shadow of more growths, Ellen has come out fighting.

She has teamed up with her dance teacher mum to raise hundreds of pounds for research into facial cancers, diseases and deformities.

Ellen, of Laton Road, said: "The first operation I remember was when I was 12, to take out the growth on my face. It lasted seven hours. Mum really doesn't like the operations - the waiting part is more scary for her.

"At the moment I have a bit on my brain, but it's not doing anything. I get regular check-ups and scans on my head.

"I used to get bullied at school, people would call me names and pull faces because I was different.

All the girls would be in groups, but I would just be on my own. I got the feeling that no one liked me because of the way I look, but I'm probably just being paranoid.

"I do get looks in the street, but it doesn't bother me now."

Ellen recently handed over 1,109 to research foundation Saving Faces, set up by her surgeon and chaired by

newsreader Jon Snow.

The money was raised from the Laton Ash Dance Centre's 30th anniversary show - from audience donations, dressmakers donating their fees and proceeds from stripping local cabbies, The Men in Black.

Pennies also pour in from the dance school students, who are fined 20 pence each time they turn up to class wearing bright nail polish or the wrong costume.

Mum Pauline Ash, who runs the dance school, said: "When I found out about the neurofibromatosis, I thought it was so unfair - that I'd rather have it myself.

"Then you just have to be there as support.

"But you can't wrap her up in cotton wool - she's not that sort of person.

"She just gets on with life, she doesn't bleat on about it, she just deals with whatever life throws at her.

"She's brave as anything, with a happy, amazing disposition."

After completing her GCSEs at Filsham Valley and a painting and decorating course at Hastings College, Ellen is

currently working behind the bar at Coombe Haven Holiday Camp.

She was recently voted the most popular member of staff, and dreams of one day running a bar herself.

She is awaiting her sixth operation in October at St Bartholomews hospital, where surgeons hope to make her face more symmetrical.

Ellen said: "I do get jealous of other people - I think why can't I have a symettrical face?

"Why do I keep having to go to hospital?

"But at the end of the day it's what made me what I am. Laid back and chilled out about things."