In 1902, Mary found her soulmate, Thomas Bevan. The couple married and had four children together. However, their happiness was short-lived as Thomas passed away after 14 years of marriage, leaving Mary devastated and struggling to provide for their children on her own.
Around the age of 32, Mary began experiencing unusual symptoms. Her face started to change, her bones enlarged, and deformities appeared, causing her great emotional and financial distress. She had no idea what was happening to her body and lost her job, making it difficult to support her family.
It was later discovered that Mary suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder caused by an excess of growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland in adults. This condition leads to the enlargement of bones in the face, hands, and feet, but not an increase in height.
Today, we have a much better understanding of acromegaly and ways to manage it, but during Mary’s time, such knowledge was lacking.
One day, Mary came across an advertisement that read: “Wanted: Ugliest woman. Nothing hideous, injured, or deformed. Guaranteed good income and long-term employment for the right candidate. Forward an up-to-date picture.”
Desperate to provide for her children, Mary felt compelled to respond. Despite the humiliation, she saw no other way to feed her family.
Claude Bartram, a representative of the circus, contacted Mary after seeing her response. He acknowledged her unique appearance, noting her strong jaw, broad cheekbones, nose, and forehead. Although Mary disliked being on display and was shy about leaving her children, Bartram offered her a substantial income.
“So she could pay for her children’s schooling, I told her she could make £10 weekly for a year, cover her travel costs, and keep all the money from selling picture postcards of herself,” Bartram told the Daily Star.
Despite her reluctance, Mary accepted the offer, prioritizing her role as a mother above all else. Her story remains a poignant reminder of the lengths a parent will go to for the sake of their children.