Ollie Trezise, from Maesteg, Wales, was born with a rare condition which caused his brain to grow through a crack in his skull into his…
Ollie Trezise, a young boy from Maesteg, Wales, UK, was born with a unique and distinctive feature – an unusually large and elongated nose, earning him the nickname “the Pinocchio boy.” Ollie’s journey has been one of resilience and determination, as he has faced criticism and ridicule due to his appearance. However, this adversity has only strengthened him and his family’s resolve.
Ollie’s mother, Amy Poole, recalls her pregnancy as normal until the 20-week ultrasound revealed something unusual on her baby’s face. Ollie had developed a soft tissue growth on his face, which was later confirmed through medical examinations. When Ollie was born in February 2014 at the University Hospital of Wales, his appearance took everyone by surprise.
Amy shares her initial shock: “When they let me hold Ollie for the first time, I was so surprised I was almost speechless. He was very small, but he had a lump the size of a golf ball on his nose. At first, I didn’t know how to face this, but then I realized I will always love him, no matter what he looks like.”
Ollie Trezise: The Boy with the Remarkable Nose
Ollie’s mother, Amy Poole, recalls her pregnancy as normal until the 20-week ultrasound revealed something unusual on her baby’s face. Ollie had developed a soft tissue growth on his face, which was later confirmed through medical examinations. When Ollie was born in February 2014 at the University Hospital of Wales, his appearance took everyone by surprise.
Amy shares her initial shock: “When they let me hold Ollie for the first time, I was so surprised I was almost speechless. He was very small, but he had a lump the size of a golf ball on his nose. At first, I didn’t know how to face this, but then I realized I will always love him, no matter what he looks like.”
Ollie’s condition was the result of a brain tumor, a rare defect in the brain that grew through a hole in the skull, causing a bulge on his nose. Only 1 in 10,000 children in the US are born with this condition each year.
Throughout his first nine months of life, the lump on Ollie’s nose remained, earning him the nickname “Pinocchio boy” due to the deformity it caused.
Despite her son’s distinctive appearance, Amy embraced her role as a loving and dedicated mother. She faced numerous challenges and gossip from friends and family but remained steadfast in putting her son first. Taking Ollie out in public, however, was met with stares and hurtful comments from strangers, which broke Amy’s heart.
Amy emphasizes, “For me, Ollie is the perfect person. He is my little Pinocchio, and I will always be proud of my son.” Ollie’s cheerful personality shines through, and his older sister, Annabelle, is his best friend, even if she sometimes gets a little jealous of all the attention he receives.
Doctors recommended surgery to open up Ollie’s nasal passages and allow him to breathe normally, as he was at risk of brain infection or meningitis if he accidentally hit his nose. Although Amy was initially terrified of such a major surgery, she recognized the necessity.
In November 2014, Ollie underwent a two-hour surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, involving specialists from multiple hospitals. The surgery was a success, and Ollie’s positivity throughout his recovery was truly inspiring.
After a swift recovery, Ollie continued to thrive. He started school, displaying excellent academic performance and maintaining his lively and mischievous nature. Ollie’s journey isn’t over, as he will require further surgeries in the future to address his condition as he grows.
Amy has shared her family’s story to raise awareness about this rare condition and prevent bullying of children with similar conditions. She believes that education and understanding are the keys to combating negativity and stigma, advocating for questions rather than pointing and staring. Ollie’s remarkable journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of unconditional love.”