A top plastic surgeon from America has offered to help treat Dagenham acid attack victim Naomi Oni.
Dr Cap Lesesne, who has operated on a host of wealthy and famous people, said he was moved by Naomi’s story and was happy to work for free to rebuild her face.
The 20-year-old shop worker was walking along Lodge Avenue, near her home in Bromhall Road, Dagenham when an unknown attacker concealed with a niqab (a Muslim veil) threw acid at her.
Naomi spent almost one month at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford receiving skin grafts and specialist treatment following the frightening attack on December 30.
Dr Lesesne, who is based in New York, said: “My sister was burned as a child and I was really moved by Naomi’s story.
“I am sure she is receiving excellent NHS care - I have great respect for the service - but I wanted Naomi to know that I was happy to help in anyway if she needed it.”
The surgeon said he was contacted by the family today who said they were very grateful but were putting the offer “on hold”, as Naomi was still in a lot pain and needed time to rest.
Dr Lesesne, who has treated a number of burns victims, added: “Coming to terms with such an injury will take time. A victim will usually go through shock, grief and then a recovery process. It is possible to get through it and live a good life.”
Police are still investigating and no arrests have been made.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here