Man with Facial Tumor Refused Service in London Cafe (5 photos)

Amit Ghose, 35, has neurofibromatosis type 1, an inherited condition that predisposes him to developing benign tumours. Last month, Amit was visiting his sister Sheela Sen in Wood Green, London. They went to a coffee shop where Amit felt stares and the barista refused to take his order.





Amit said: “I was born with neurofibromatosis. It’s very noticeable – I can’t hide it.”

When he ordered a coffee, the staff said they were no longer serving.

“I was upset. It’s a harsh reality that people with visible differences often face discrimination. Many of my friends in the community confirmed that they too have to deal with this.”



Amit said he decided to share his story because it’s important to highlight such incidents.

“This will help others understand what people with visible differences go through. But more importantly, it can help those who have done this to think, ‘Maybe my words and actions have caused pain. It’s time to change.’”





The man did not name the cafe, but explained: "I don't want negativity. I think my story is enough to make a difference."

Amit, from Birmingham, was born with a rare condition that affects one in 2,500 to 3,000 people worldwide. He had his left eye removed at the age of 11 and had to wear a patch for six months while a prosthetic was made.



Despite his health issues, the man shares his experiences in schools and wrote a children's book, Born Different.

He has gained 300,000 followers on social media in the past two years. Ghose left his job at a law firm to pursue a career as a motivational speaker and content creator.



"I'm passionate about helping others gain confidence," he says.

“When I was little, kids would point at my face and hide behind their parents. And I would cry.”

He launched his book on Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day, May 17, to highlight the challenges that people with the condition face every day.

“I am trying to create a movement for self-acceptance and self-love. I always say, limited or unlimited, physical or not, but we all go through difficult times in life and we need to learn to love ourselves,” Amit concluded.