I was recently put forward as a role model for Woman’s Own Magazine, the magazine invited role nominations of role models i.e. people or professionals who inspired and motivated others in their day to day life. I was honoured to have had some lovely nominations put forward on my behalf.However there was one in particular written by a gentleman, that stood out for me the most, as it was not only beautifully written with great sentiment and honesty, but it summarised for me what was a tough few months in my involvement in the PIP Crisis.
I kindly thank this person from my heart, and for the sake of privacy have omitted his full name, but this is a true and honest nomination and this letter and can be authenticated for whoever would like to see.
I’d like to thank every single PIP survivor who had faith in my efforts and whom continue to have faith in me, it is a honour to have been able to help even in one small tiny way, I hope it made a difference.
To me it made no difference whether I was elected or not for the feature in the magazine, because a letter likes this is what really motivates me as a person and inspires me to continue to do what I do with a passion and belief.
Dear Magazine,
I would like to support a nomination for a woman I have been privileged to have been introduced to this year.
Antonia Mariconda (aka the Cosmedic Coach) is a beauty and cosmetic surgery writer who provides honest advice and opinion on products and issues relating to the industry.
In December 2011 the lives of 47000 women in the UK were rocked by the scandal surrounding PIP implants. Women were desperate for information, frightened, and felt abandoned by the government and less scrupulous elements of the cosmetic surgery. Women trying to raise the profile of the issue were vilified in support forums, represented as vain by the press, and were stuck in a battle over liability between the government and surgery providers.
My wife was one of these 47000 women, through a small network of women we were introduced to Antonia who was trying to set up a not for profit scheme to help women who had undergone surgery that had gone wrong. A number of women affected by the scandal found it difficult to place their trust in Antonia as she was seen as representing the industry that had caused the scandal.
An attempt to launch a support foundation using her own funds that offered emotional support, legal advice and fundraising for corrective surgery was treated with suspicion and contempt by many women and industry insiders. A barrage of negativity aimed at Antonia which caused her significant emotional pressure and distress and prevented the launch of the foundation. During this period I witnessed the personal trauma the distrust caused to Antonia, she had set out with an intention to do good and reach out to those who felt abandoned, but it was thrown back in her face. Some people would have walked away and felt that people were being ungrateful, however as the saying goes ‘you can’t keep a good woman down’ and despite the doubts about the integrity of her intentions, Antonia persevered in her mission to support victims of bungled surgery and continued to offer support to a group of 12 women who had set out to raise funds for victims of the PIP scandal.
Using her contacts Antonia arranged an ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ style event at Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire, women were sponsored to undertake ‘bush tucker trials’ to raise funds for victims of the PIP scandal. Through funds raised and pricking the conscience of some reputable surgeons Antonia secured corrective surgery at a reduced cost for a group of women who were unable to fully fund it for themselves.
Using her industry knowledge Antonia wrote a book full of useful advice which she made available free for women who were victims of the PIP scandal, the book contained information about PIP, where to go for support, how to make the right decision about replacement surgery and questions to consider. Antonia continued to offer personal support to women who were scared and frightened; she did not judge them and would willingly speak to victims in the early hours of the morning that had been referred to her by support groups. Where she supported people by finding them a surgeon she would often be there to welcome them on the day of surgery with a smile and a hug.
Aside from the work she did with some victims of the PIP scandal, Antonia is an advocate of safe surgery and offers FREE advice on her face book group, twitter, and on her Cosmedic Coach website how to make an informed decision on beauty and surgery. She passionately believes that beauty is a right that should not be reserved for the wealthy and privileged, her face book support group is peppered with daily postings of surgery opportunities and beauty giveaways, giving an opportunity for those who may be unable to find funds to have experiences to make them feel better. Contributors to her face book group include surgeons from all aspects of the industry across the globe that willingly provide advice to those seeking help.
On a more personal note Antonia helped us, through contacts in the industry, to source a surgeon with industry recognised expertise. My family have had to endure significant stress and worry since December, fears over my wife’s health and the unknown implications of the non medical grade silicone in the body put pressure on us, with Antonia’s help this is now behind us and we can look forward again. Her actions have shown that despite the damage caused by the actions of some elements, there is a human side and a conscience with in an industry that needs to rebuild its reputation at the moment.
Very few people realise the personal sacrifices and heartache Antonia has experienced this year. She is a true role model who has inspired, supported and enabled many to find help in a desperate time.
I wholeheartedly support the nomination of Antonia as a role model for your magazine.
Regards
Mr. D. S, Sussex