In the serene West Country of England, a couple has lived with a secret that could have been torn from the pages of ancient scripture. For nearly three decades, Dan and Babs Izzett harboured a truth so stigmatized that they feared societal exile more than the disease itself. The affliction they carried was leprosy, a condition steeped in historical fear and misunderstanding.


The Izzetts' story is one of love, resilience, and the power of breaking silence. When they were first diagnosed, the images that came to mind were those of lepers from the epic film 'Ben-Hur' – a portrayal of suffering and decay that has haunted the collective consciousness for generations. Dan, now 77, vividly recalls his dread, imagining himself as an outcast, ringing a bell and crying out 'leper' as his community shunned him.


Their life in a picturesque five-bedroom house in the countryside near Taunton belied the struggle they faced. Dan's leprosy led to a loss of sensation in his limbs, resulting in tragic accidents such as losing his right leg after unknowingly stepping into boiling water and an incident where a rat gnawed at his arm as he slept, all without him feeling a thing.


The origins of Dan's leprosy trace back to his youth in Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia, where a doctor first noticed brown marks on his skin during a medical examination in 1967. Initially misdiagnosed as a fungal infection, it wasn't until years later that the true nature of his condition was revealed. The diagnosis came as a shock, with the doctor at the Ministry of Health in Harare delivering the news that Dan had lepromatous leprosy, the most severe form of the disease.

The couple's faith and commitment to each other were tested when Dan offered to annul their marriage, but Babs, 75, refused, insisting on honouring their vows. They began a regimen of drugs that rendered Dan non-infectious within 48 hours, but the fear of stigma kept them silent.

Tragically, Babs contracted leprosy from Dan before his diagnosis, with the disease manifesting seven years after their marriage – coinciding with the typical incubation period for leprosy. Despite the challenges, they raised two healthy sons and maintained a semblance of normalcy, all while keeping their condition a closely guarded secret.


It wasn't until 1999 that the Izzetts decided to share their story with the world, starting with their church congregation. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with their community embracing them rather than casting them out. This pivotal moment propelled them to become advocates for those with leprosy, working tirelessly to dismantle the stigma associated with the disease.

Their journey has taken them to over 20 countries, where they've raised awareness and funds to support others affected by leprosy. Even in the face of ignorance, such as when a woman in Switzerland recoiled at the mere mention of the word 'leper,' the Izzetts have persevered with humour and grace.

Now settled in Somerset to be closer to their grown children and grandchildren, the Izzetts continue their mission. Dan, having served on the boards of international leprosy organizations, has decided to step back and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Yet, he remains unapologetic about using the term 'leper' to describe himself, a testament to his acceptance and defiance of the stigma that once kept him silent.


The Izzetts' story is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the importance of confronting fear with truth. It's a narrative that challenges us to look beyond the labels and see the courage in those who bear them.
We ask our readers: have you ever faced a situation where revealing the truth felt like an insurmountable challenge? How did you overcome it, and what lessons did you learn? Share your experiences with us in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation about breaking down the barriers of stigma and fear.