Jono Lancaster was only 36 hours old when his parents abandoned him in a hospital Yorkshire.
Years later, reading his adoption certificate, he learned that his parents had been "horrified" by how he looked.
He had been born with a rare genetic condition - Treacher Collins syndrome - which affects craniofacial development in the womb. In Lancaster, the sporadic gene mutation meant he had no cheekbones, and "little Bart Simpson ears".
It means he stands out in a crowd. Growing up, he learned to hate his face and developed unhealthy coping mechanisms as a teenager - drinking to excess and actively avoiding mirrors. Struggling in a world obsessed with looks, he became isolated.
However, two unexpected encounters in early adulthood changed his life. He is now an advocate for others who look different from the 'norm' and has met kids around the world - becoming the person for them, that he needed when he was younger.
Lancaster launched the Love Me, Love My Face Foundation in 2016 and is currently working on a BBC show Love My Face, and has recently published a book, Not All Heroes Wear Capes.
Jono Lancaster and his book, 'Not All Heroes Wear Capes'. Photo: Penguin Random House / Supplied
