A SUPERMARKET worker who likens himself to the Elephant Man is looking forward to life-changing surgery thanks to one shopper who saw "the person he is inside".
James O`Neal has a genetic disease which has left his face badly disfigured –- but he refuses to hide away.
Instead he has become a popular member of staff at a US supermarket chain, with customers saying: "He`s the kind of person that makes your day."
And his story inspired one shopper to launch a massive charity drive to give him a new face, Seattle TV network KOMO 4 reports.
Mr O’Neal’s story:
Mr O`Neal said he was stunned to hear that so many people wanted to help him after Katie Knopf began her fundraising efforts.
His employer for the past seven years, supermarket company Safeway, has already announced it would contribute US$10000 for reconstructive surgery.
"(The donations) makes me feel honoured and proud," Mr O`Neal told KOMO 4.
"I think it`s amazing what they want to do for me."
But one of his regular customers, Aubrey Richins, said helping him was something he deserved after developing so many friendships.
"He is an amazing man and we love him," Ms Richins said.
"He`s the kind of person that makes your day."
Ms Knopf has now launched a website dedicated to raising money for reconstructive surgery.
"James will always be the person he is inside," Ms Knopf said.
"I`m hoping with this he`ll have a new lease on life."
Mr O`Neal has the same disease as the Elephant Man - neurofibromatosis.
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