— Joseph

Joseph was hit when an illegally racing car lost control and hit him. The roadside barrier absorbed most of the 70-80mph collision, however he still needed 10 hours of brain surgery and as a result has metal pins and a plate placed in his skull.

Do you think your scars affect the way that people perceive you?
I have quite a happy & gentle style (and build) so people are not 'nervous' of me because of my scars and it provides a good story if there is ever an awkward silence in day-to-day conversation. But most people seem not to notice or care and I am very happy talking about it. Maybe people wonder: how did he get them? I think if anything they invoke mild curiosity in people.

Have you had any particularly negative (or positive) responses to your scars?
My mother hates them because it reminds her of that time and when she used to rub scar reducing oil in to them everyday. Most friends tell me it gives me character. One group of kids stopped me on the street convinced they already knew how I got them: in a shark attack. A shark bit my head. I found that funny.

Has your scarring affected your self-esteem in any way?
The hard part was getting over the accident, I took a massive knock to the head and it almost killed me, turning my life into winning through challenges has taken much determination and I am still trying to move on from it. But the scars themselves as a physical thing improved my self esteem. A girl who I had a big crush on at the time said she thought they looked sexy. That was back when they were very red but hopefully they still hold some power for some pretty girls. If I want to start physical contact with a girl I like I have sometimes asked them if they want to feel my bumpy forehead (because of the metal).