Ashley Watson's story captured our readers' hearts after we reported that he was left devastated when the funding was withdrawn for an NHS pinnaplasty operation - a procedure to 'pin back' ears that stick out
A young boy whose plight was heard by a top plastic surgeon has had the operation to ‘correct’ his sticky out ears.
Young Ashley Watson’s story captured our readers’ hearts after we reported that he was left devastated when the funding was withdrawn for an NHS pinnaplasty operation - a procedure to ‘pin back’ ears that stick out.
His parents were sent a letter just days before the op was set to take place after they were initially referred to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.
Good samaritan plastic surgeon Paul Baguley stepped in, offering to carry out the procedure - which can cost anywhere between £3,000 and £5,000 - free of charge.
Now, just days after the op at York’s Nuffield Hospital on Saturday morning, the Fairfield Primary School pupil is already asking to play out - something his dad says he’s not done for a long time due to bullies.
His dad Craig Watson, 33, a training manager, said: “He is brilliant after the operation.
“He’s really happy now and yesterday asked if he could play out.”
Ashley was at the hospital for 8.30am to have the procedure and back out by 6pm that day.
View gallery Ashley Watson
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His bandages are due to come off Friday but Dr Baguley has warned that his ears may be swollen and misshapen at first.
Craig, who lives with Ashley’s mum Nicola Watson, 34, a trainee mental health nurse, and their two other sons Dylan, nine, and Finley, six, in Grangefield, Stockton, said: “The hospital has been absolutely brilliant.
“He took his teddy with him and the nurses bandaged up his teddy as well. He was so brave.
“We met with the surgeon before the operation and after - and he’s just been brilliant.
“He’s even given us his personal mobile number if there are any issues following the operation.”
Dr Baguley is also looking after all of Ashley’s aftercare, again at no cost.
Ashley’s parents said his ears weren’t a problem as a baby but as he has grown up the youngster has become more self conscious about his ears.
After being bullied, his confidence hit rock bottom - and last summer Ashley insisted on always wearing a hood to cover them.
Craig added: “The nurses said ‘we can’t believe how well you’ve prepped him for the operation’.
“We wish we could take the credit but it was all him.
“He wanted this in the first place and it was him fighting for it.
“We are just unbelievably proud of him.”
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