In November 2019, Ben Horne’s world was shattered in an unimaginable tragedy.
The aerospace engineer from Yeovil, Somerset, experienced a violent epileptic seizure while asleep, triggering a panicked reaction from his loyal 10-year-old dog, Henry.
Ben had been battling epilepsy since he was 15 years old.
A recent change in his medication had unfortunately introduced nocturnal seizures into his life, turning what should have been peaceful nights into potential dangers.
That fateful night, as Ben convulsed during the seizure, his beloved dog Henry—whom he had raised from a puppy—became distressed and attacked his face in a frenzy.
The dog ripped off Ben’s nose, part of his mouth, and chin.
When Ben finally regained consciousness, his home was covered in blood.
Despite the excruciating pain and difficulty speaking, he managed to call emergency services for help.
Rushed to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, Ben underwent a 10-hour emergency surgery to stabilize his severe facial injuries.
Doctors worked tirelessly to piece together what remained of his face.
The damage was catastrophic.
Ben’s top lip hung loosely, a large portion of his chin was missing, and only the septum bone remained where his nose once was.
The mirror reflection left him in despair.
Over the next five years, Ben endured approximately ten major reconstructive surgeries.
Surgeons harvested bone from his ribs and hip, along with skin from his tattooed forearm and forehead flaps, to rebuild his nose and facial features.
Setbacks including infections, collapses of the new structures, and COVID-19 delays tested his perseverance.
Yet, Ben pressed on, determined to reclaim his appearance and life.
Emotionally, the journey was harrowing.
Ben struggled with self-image, public stares, and guilt over his dog’s actions.
He likened the experience to a public nightmare, but gradually learned to embrace his “new normal.”
Henry, assessed as safe, was successfully rehomed to a loving retired couple.
Ben now shares his home with two cats and has no immediate plans for another dog.
Today, Ben is raising funds for Epilepsy Action and the plastic surgery team at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital through Tough Mudder events and ultra-marathons.
His story of resilience inspires many, proving that hope and determination can triumph over tragedy.