Britain’s Got Talent Star Ravi gets smile back thanks to QVH

This week marks Facial Palsy Awareness Week, an annual campaign running from March 1-7, dedicated to raising awareness about Facial Palsy, and this year Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) is using the week to join forces with the father of Britain’s Got Talent star Ravi Adelekan, to bring about more understanding of this life changing condition.

Musician Gbenga Adelekan, father of 9-year-old Ravi, is urging the UK healthcare system to ensure that information about Facial Palsy services is more widely accessible, particularly in light of his family’s experience navigating Ravi’s complex recovery process following brain surgery.

In October 2022, Ravi underwent major surgery to reduce a brain tumour. During his recovery, the family noticed that his Facial Palsy on the left side of his face was worsening.

Despite being told there was little that could be done upon discharge from the hospital where he had the operation, a speech and language therapist at Chailey Clinical Services, recommended that they consult the specialists at Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) in East Grinstead, Sussex.

Gbenga said: “Ravi’s surgery affected his balance, sight, and hearing, but the impact on his face was the hardest for him. The worsening of his Facial Palsy meant he couldn’t even smile properly. He avoided photos, hated looking at himself in the mirror, and it really hurt his self-esteem. When we learned about the Facial Palsy team at QVH and received their care, everything changed for Ravi.”

Two years ago this week, Ravi was treated by Mr. Ruben Kannan, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at QVH (pictured right), who performed a pioneering procedure on the young boy.

“Mr. Kannan made sure Ravi fully understood the surgery and allowed him to play a key role in the decision-making process,” says Gbenga. “From the moment Mr. Kannan asked Ravi what he hoped to achieve from the surgery, we knew we were in safe hands.

“Nine months later, we started seeing Ravi’s smile return, and it was life-changing. Ravi now has his big personality back, able to express himself freely, feel confident in his appearance, and show many of the facial expressions he had lost.”

Mr. Kannan, who leads the largest Facial Palsy department in the UK, emphasises the importance of raising awareness among healthcare professionals. “We see over 200 new referrals a year, yet not everyone knows what Facial Palsy is or where they can get help. Early intervention is crucial, and if patients are referred in time, we can make a real difference. Ravi’s case is a shining example of the impact early referral and treatment can have.

“Ravi’s surgery was groundbreaking. The procedure, which involves a smaller nerve graft taken from Ravi’s leg), connects the right side of his face to the left through the lip, allowing for faster nerve regeneration—three times faster than traditional techniques. This innovative, minimally invasive surgery offers safer, more effective results and has revolutionised outcomes for patients like Ravi.”

The expertise of Mr. Kannan and his team is recognised globally. Consultants and specialists from QVH regularly travel across the country and abroad, providing training and sharing their knowledge on these cutting-edge procedures. Mr. Kannan will be presenting this world-leading technique at the World Society of Microsurgery conference in Barcelona next month.

Ravi, who won hearts nationwide leading the “Ravi’s Dream Team Choir” on Britain’s Got Talent 2024, is thrilled to be smiling again and more confident than ever.

“It’s helped my confidence because now I look a bit more like myself and I have my cheeky smile back,” Ravi said.

Frustrated by the lack of awareness surrounding the world-renowned Facial Palsy service at QVH, the Adelekan family is now using Facial Palsy Awareness Week to encourage greater awareness of the symptoms of Facial Palsy and treatment available.

Gbenga added: “We urge the NHS to ensure that every patient affected by Facial Palsy is informed about the exceptional services available, like those at Queen Victoria Hospital. It’s changed Ravi’s life, and we want others to benefit from this incredible care.”

For media inquiries, please contact qvh.communications@nhs.net

Pictured above left: Ravi Adelekan, before his surgery (left) and post-surgery (right).