'Narnia' Star Georgie Henley Almost Had Her Arm Amputated While Dealing With This Chronic Disease

In her post on Instagram, Georgie revealed that she almost had her arm amputated after contracting the disease, which is a rare flesh-eating bacteria that can be deadly in about one in five patients.

“When I was eighteen years old and in my sixth week of university, I contracted necrotising fasciitis, a rare and punishing infection that nearly claimed my life and wrought havoc throughout my body,” she wrote. “In order to prevent the amputation of my left hand and arm I received grueling invasive surgery, and later extensive reconstructive surgery which resulted in a series of skin grafts and scars.”

Georgie adds that it’s taken her years of healing both physically and mentally, and she’s now able to share her story with others.

“For the last nine years I have been open about my scars in my personal life, but have hidden them entirely in any professional context: wearing bandages or coverings, makeup on set and stage, long sleeves whenever I might be photographed, trousers so I could put my hand in a pocket,” she said. “The industry I am part of often focuses on a very narrow idea of what is deemed aesthetic ‘perfection’, and I worried that my scars would prevent me from getting work. The truth is there is no such thing as ‘perfection’ but I have still lived with the shame of feeling different, exacerbated by the expectations that came with beginning my career at a young age.”

Georgie continued, “But my scars are not something to be ashamed of. They are a map of the pain my body has endured, and most importantly a reminder of my survival. They do not affect my capacity as an actor, and I’m proud to be a person who has visible scars in this industry.”

“Thank you lastly to every person who is reading this and has supported me and my work, it truly means more than you can know,” she concluded. “I’m sure I will talk more about my experiences in the future but today I am simply happy to feel, for the first time in a very long time, finally free.”

Georgie, who just recently starred in The Spanish Princess, last reunited with her Narnia cast in 2018. Check out the pic here!

Find out which other celebs have opened up about their own chronic illnesses.