A woman who was preparing for her wedding woke up with her face drooping, unable to drink a glass of water. Charlie Beswick, 47, says as the condition progressed she was unable to speak without slurring - leaving her in a panic.

Charlie, a SEND family and care inclusion consultant, from North Staffordshire, said: “I initially felt terrified that I had had a stroke overnight. I woke up and took a sip of the water at the side of my bed. It instantly dribbled down my chin.

“I panicked before grabbing my phone to use the selfie camera, when I noticed my face was really drooped. Andrew and I had waited for eight years to get married on the same date that we met on a blind date.

“So the thought of walking down the aisle with a wonky smile terrified me. I'm also the mum of a disabled son and my first thought is often: ‘I can't be ill, what about [him]?’

Charlie’s nightmare began in December 2021 after falling ill with Covid, followed by a double ear infection. Almost overnight, her condition worsened to the point where she was told to go to hospital immediately.

She said: “I rang my sister, who is a nurse and never dramatic. But her reaction was unnerving in itself. She told me to go to hospital immediately.”

The mum had developed Bell’s Palsy; a weakness or lack of movement that usually affects one side of the face. Signs often include a drooping eyelid or corner of the mouth, drooling, a dry mouth, loss of taste and dry or watering eyes.

While relieved to have a diagnosis, Charlie was faced with another hurdle as medics told her there was a possibility that the effects could become permanent. She said: “I felt very helpless. I was told that the muscles in my face needed to do the work, rather than steroids.

“I was really conscious of my appearance – with and without the eye patch that I'd been advised to wear – and didn’t leave the house for two weeks. I was also utterly exhausted by the smallest thing and was sleeping a lot in the day and at night.”

Charlie was placed on a course of steroid tablets, while a friend bought her a CACI facial treatment course that uses microcurrents to tone facial muscles. The tech - which costs over £600 for a 10 session course - helped her to regain the use of her muscles within four weeks.

The mum, who struggled to “bounce back” from the lasting effects of her condition, also received harsh judgement. She added: “My son is autistic with significant learning needs and has a rare craniofacial condition.

“He was born with no eye, eye socket, ear or nostril on his left hand side and a short underdeveloped jaw. We’ve had a lot of negative encounters and online trolling over the years because of his appearance.

“And this was an ironic first-hand experience for me to truly understand how it feels to look ‘different’ and be judged superficially. I was asked why I looked ‘weird’ and told I ‘didn’t look right.’'

Charlie believes that one of the main factors in her developing Bell’s Palsy was the stress linked to being a SEND parent. She now works with organisations to help provide better support to employees who also have caring responsibilities.

The mum added: “This had been my life for almost two decades at that point. And so I know no different and love life with my son.

“But caring for a disabled child through the day and night, being their advocate and voice, is definitely a stressor – and challenge. Especially when you’re trying to remain in employment for the sake of your own identity, purpose and finances.

“I am passionate that working carers are supported before they get to the point of burnout – and possibly episodes such as mine. And that leaders realise that life can change for any of us in an instant and to lead with compassion and never judgement.

“Speak with a doctor as soon as possible and ask for steroids if you experience any symptoms similar to mine. Be patient with yourself and listen to your body.”