Doctors Thought Baby Stole My Smile

Ruth woke up with half her face paralysed.

- Cher Heasmer/Laura Thomas

Ruth Ferguson, 31,

Portree, Isle of Skye

As I rocked my son Zander, then 3 months, in my arms, my right eye watered. I put it down to tiredness. 

Me and my husband Derek, 35, were staying with my parents for a few weeks. 

Next night, Mum made spaghetti bolognese. Everyone said how tasty it was, but I couldn’t taste a thing.

Back home, I still didn’t feel myself. I had a crick in my neck and my mouth felt numb.

Then, as I brushed my teeth the next day, I saw my reflection.

The right side of my face had drooped. I tried to smile and raise my eyebrows, but it was no use.