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“Once I was outta hospital and once I settled, Pia went and got Theo and brought him to me. And Theo took one look at me and grabbed her, wouldn’t come to me.
“But when he heard me talk, he knew it was me. As soon as he heard my voice, he stuck his arms out for a hug. And he didn’t let go of me for a very long time that day.”
The emotional reunion came months after the life-changing attack that turned Andreas’ world upside down.
He is currently raising money to help others
The man responsible for the attack, David Phillips from Hastings, Sussex, admitted to assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was initially handed a life sentence in 2015, but following an appeal in 2016, judges reduced the punishment to 16 years, making him eligible for parole after serving eight years.
Over the past decade, Andreas has dedicated much of his time to raising awareness about acid attacks. Despite everything, he says the experience has transformed his life in unexpected ways.
“Yes, I miss having good eyesight. Yes, I miss having not a burnt face, but it’s changed me as a person. It’s opened up a lot of doors.
“I live a very different life, live a very interesting life, and I’m really proud of the journey I’ve taken to get to where I am now.”
At the moment, he is raising money for Face Forward International, a Beverly Hills-based Los Angeles charity that provides reconstructive surgery for victims of violent crimes. In September 2026, his goal is to cycle 450 miles from Cornwall to Paris in four days to raise money for the organization.
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