Face transplant man thanks donor’s family

A SPANIARD who had one of the world’s first face transplants appeared in public yesterday to thank the donor and surgeons who operated on him.

Speaking at a press conference at a hospital in Seville, the patient named only as Rafael, said: “I am full of joy and happiness. I want to thank the family of the donor and the medical team.”

Rafael was the second person in Spain and the ninth in the world to receive a partial face transplant.