She featured in a story about her ex-boyfriend who used her mobile number to advertise a fake contest where people called her to impersonate Chewbacca. Photo / 9 News
She featured in a story about her ex-boyfriend who used her mobile number to advertise a fake contest where people called her to impersonate Chewbacca. Photo / 9 News
A single mum who was mocked over her appearance has been offered to have her missing teeth fixed for free.
Australian Jessica Sewell, 29, made headlines when a prank by her ex-boyfriend led to her getting random phone calls from people impersonating Chewbacca.
He used her phone number to advertise a fake "Chewbacca roar contest" in Cairns and posted flyers around the far north Queensland city.
But when news about the strange prank aired on TVNZ's Breakfast show, a reporter's comments about her appearance forced the mother to reveal her heartbreaking story.
Sewell told news.com.au her missing teeth were as a result of a nine-year abusive relationship.
"Whenever I would fix them, he would just knock them out again," the mother said of her ex-partner, clarifying it was not the same man as the one who pulled the "Chewbacca" prank.
The Cairns local said for the past 11 years since the domestic violence incident, she has lacked confidence over her appearance, and the reporter's remarks only fuelled her low self-esteem.
"It has always bothered me and I've smiled less in photos and covered up because of it – I try to avoid cameras as much as possible," she told news.com.au.
She featured in a story about her ex-boyfriend who used her mobile number to advertise a fake contest where people called her to impersonate Chewbacca. Photo / 9 News
Sewell's story has since captivated many around the country who have since donated more than $4000 to a GoFundMe page she set up to help fix her teeth.
However, a Gold Coast dentist, Sham Jamal, whose Malo Dental practice is built around full mouth reconstructions, has offered his services to Sewell free of charge.
"We would love to help this lady out," he said.
"We see a lot of patients where their teeth have got so bad it does affect them socially, and they tend to isolate and become quite embarrassed, so for someone to prey on those insecurities is pretty cruel."
Sham said he is willing to work with Sewell to identify what exactly she wants and needs to rebuild her confidence.
"We will do what's best for her situation and teeth."
She was 18 when she was involved in the domestic violence incident. Photo / Facebook
The mother-of-three said she is blown away by the generosity of Sham and those who have donated.
"I am still in shock," she said. "I honestly did not believe it would go this far.
"If this happens and Dr Sham fixes my teeth I would have the biggest heart for him for the rest of my life – I'd be so grateful."
Providing the procedure goes ahead, Sewell said she will use the more than $4000 raised towards travelling expenses from Cairns to the Gold Coast.
