An Inspirational Journey: Shalita's Story

Article by Gemma Hutchings | Date Published 1st August 2024

We are honoured to be a part of Shalita's journey

We would like to share with you the life story of an extraordinary woman. The story I am about to tell is not easy reading and is testament to resilience, courage, and the kindness of others. Most importantly, it has a happy ending.

Finishing Touches Group (FTG) is honored to have been a part of Shalita's journey, and we thank her from the bottom of our hearts for sharing her story with us. Through tears, Shalita recounted her journey to Kelly Forshaw Smith, who has worked with her for the past 10 years.

This story not only highlights the resilience and courage of one woman but also serves as a reminder of the profound impact that kindness and medical care can have on someone's life. We hope Shalita’s journey inspires you as much as she has inspired us.

Shalita's Story

At the age of 18, Shalita's life was shattered by a horrific event. Her parents held prominent positions in their government. One day, soldiers stormed her home, abducting and torturing her for information about them. Reflecting on that moment, Shalita told Kelly, "I wasn’t ready to give them what they wanted. I knew revealing anything would cost my parents their lives, and I was prepared to die for them"

Shalita endured days of torture, where acid and petrol were used to burn her skin, leaving no part of her body unscathed. She did not yield, and eventually, her torturers abandoned her by the side of the road, leaving her to die.

Miraculously, a farmer found Shalita and took her to the hospital, where she clung to life. Her injuries were so severe that the hospital could do little more than keep her alive. Her body was covered in burns, her eyes were burnt into their sockets, and her ears were burnt away. Shalita had inhaled chemicals while screaming for help, and the skin on her hands had melted her fingers together. She was left a shell, unable to see, hear, or speak. “There was nothing of me left,” she said.

Through the help and kindness of others

After eight long months and numerous major operations, Shalita had a chance encounter with a woman visiting on behalf of Action for the Blind. This woman took it upon herself to help Shalita rebuild her life. She provided a home, care, and sourced medical help from anywhere she could, to offer Shalita a better chance at life.

Shalita moved to the UK alone and was cared for by the dedicated team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. They performed skin grafts, restored her sight, repaired her voice box, and reconstructed her facial features. After an astounding 28 operations, Shalita emerged as the woman we see today: smiling, happy, and loving life.

Finishing Touches turn to help

In 2010, Dawn, Shalita, and Kelly first met. Shalita was starting to feel complete again, but she was still missing the definition of her facial features. After her surgeries, Kelly began micropigmentation treatments. Ten years later, Shalita not only has beautiful brows and a defined lip line but also improved skin texture through Meso microneedling treatments.

Shalita today

Shalita now shares her life with a wonderful man who initially acted as her carer before they fell in love.

Shalita carries her story in her heart and visibly on her body. Through true bravery, the kindness of others, and her own strength, she has overcome her torment and found happiness. We are sure you will agree that her inner beauty shines radiantly through her smile.

Mariella has since taken over Shalitia's care and we look forward to welcoming her when she comes to our FTG clinic. We are proud to know Shalita and to have been a part of her recovery, even if it was just the finishing touches.