The 'bionic bishop' who broke every bone in his face

Right Reverend Christopher Chessun, the bishop of Southwark, suffered a devastating taxi accident in September that left him with extensive facial injuries. After the crash, he was quickly transported to St Thomas' Hospital and then to a specialist team at King's College Hospital, where Professor Kathy Fan performed intricate surgery to repair his shattered face. She emphasized the importance of restoring his facial identity so that people would focus on his message rather than his injuries. Remarkably, Chessun returned to his duties at Southwark Cathedral just three months later, coinciding with the busy Christmas season. He jokingly referred to himself as the 'bionic bishop' due to the plates and pins holding his face together.

Professor Fan highlighted the privilege of working on people's faces, as they represent individual identity. Chessun reflected on how the prayers and support from his community played a crucial role in his recovery and confidence. He now views the accident as a transformative experience that reshaped his perspective on health and well-being.