Dear Supporters and Friends of Dan’s Fund
After a phenomenally busy 2024, it was perhaps unsurprising that in the New Year we were inundated with requests for projects from the NHS.
The charity had a large spend in 2024 with the donations of LPG Machines, Burns Sims kits, funding other small projects for NHS burn services across the UK, as well as the operational and management costs of the charity to maintain the emotional support options and crisis grants to burn survivors (over 50 burn survivors received crisis grants last year).
With fundraising becoming increasingly challenging with the more uncertain economic times, Trustees and the DFFB operational team took the decision to formalise our hosptial funding requests into a bi-annual application with pre-agreed funding limits to ensure the longevity of the charity.
For future information, our funding rounds for major projects will close on 1st September and 1st April for consideration by the Trustees.
The focus of Dan’s Fund has always primarily been about ensuring that adult burn survivors in the UK receive the necessary emotional and financial support that is so essential to their recovery. This is something we have chosen to prioritise through our emotional and peer-to-peer support services and our in-person burn survivor events.
That said, we have some exciting projects that we are working on with the NHS, some of which are still confidential but I am delighted to be able to share a new project that is just launching – the funding of a VR headset research project at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
We are also involved with helping with a research project across the services into the effectiveness of the LPG machines on burn scarring. Two Skin Camouflage training sessions have been held in January and September this year for NHS burns
healthcare professionals, in collaboration with The Finishing Touches Group in Haywards Heath.
With the current economic environment so challenging, the charity has been extremely busy managing increased individual requests for crisis grants for travel, accommodation, living costs and replacing items lost in house fires amongst other things. We have bought laptops, carpets, white goods, camping equipment, clothing as well as paid for retraining for several burn survivors.
A total of £38,300 in emergency funding has been granted in the past 12 months and it is vital that we are able to continue supporting burn survivors in need.
Dan’s Fund is incredibly fortunate to be supported by long term corporate and individual donors and
sponsors and we have been working on building new relationships this past year within the pharmaceuticals industry. Thank you to everyone who has supported the charity over the years and welcome to our new relationships - Joint Opearations Ltd, Polynovo and 2heads.
Fundraising to ensure we can contine these grants and maintain our online weekly chat and peer-to-peer befriending options has also been more challenging this past year with increasing pressures on everyone’s finances, so we are very grateful for all donations given and all efforts by burn survivors, burn healthcare professionals and friends of Dan’s Fund to raise funds for the charity over the past 12 months.
Highlights of these fundraising activities would have to be the dnata Bali Legends winning the International Vets Cup at the 2024 Dubai 7s tournament in December, a tremendous year of fundraising from John Seal in his captaincy at Lamberhurst Golf Club and the incredible effort from one of our burn survivor befrienders, Ian Easton and his company Coconut Marketing in climbing Mount Snowdon in June. So taken with the idea when they approached us, Jennifer and I decided to join them in this challenge!
That is not to take anything away from the many other fundraisers that have been held; Joy Huston’s coffee morning, runs and sky dives from staff at Bristol, Belfast, other burn survivors themselves and “The Big Hymn Sing” in Shamley Green to mention but a few…
Birthday donations instead of 50th birthday gifts from Trustee, Emma Danks and Dan’s Fund birthday donations for our burn survivor friend too, Ben Renshaw, who also ran for us in the Royal Parks last November, coming a fantastic 42nd out of over 8,000 men, completing it in 1h 17 min.
Our fundraising would not be the same without our regular golf and bridge events and these have been organised by my mum, Rosemary, tirelessly over the
past 23 years and allow us to continue to organise the likes of our London Day out in August of this year and will help us as we look to plan our next burn survivor weekend away in 2026.
Jennifer and I are increasingly asked to speak and present at events and so we have had a busy calendar promoting the charity and the work we do. From speaking to individual companies, to showcasing the charity to a younger audience at a careers event, to online presentations to health professionals and to full on dinner speeches, it has been fantastic to be able to highlight the work of Dan’s Fund For Burns and how we support adult burn suvivors across the UK.
We are proud of all that we have achieved with the help of our faithful Trustees, Paul Bentley, Emma Danks, Rosemary Derby, Greg Williams and Lisa MacLaren in the picture above (unfortunately missing Jen Dorricott, Al Strong and Roger Masefield) and with so much more yet to come!
Two new projects to get off the ground and three golf days next year - Swinley Forest, Woking and Sunningdale Heath Golf Club, we are looking forward to another busy year ahead!
None of this would be possible without the continued fundraising and support from many. Thank you so much.
Wishing you all the very best for the remainder of 2025 and the festive season ahead.
Dan’s Fund For Burns and Finishing Touches Group Skin Camouflage training
Dan’s Fund and The Finishing Touches group were delighted to launch a new skin camouflage training course for NHS burn healthcare professionals in January 2025. This hybrid online and in person skin camouflage course was designed to replace the course previously offered by The British Association of Skin Camouflage (BASC), who closed their doors in 2023.
This course was compiled by The Finishing Touches group with input from Dan’s Fund For Burns, and burn service team members, Amy Davey from Bristol and Janine Evans from Swansea. Thanks to all those involved in developing this new course which has now been run two times in 2025 successfully.
The courses are held at FTG’s premises down in Haywards Heath and Dan’s Fund provides volunteer burn survivor as models for the trainees to practice on. Dan’s Fund also pays for the training and for a skin camouflage starter kit for each burns centre/unit training.
Thanks go to Sue, Sarah and Trudi for being fabulous models and to Dawn, Gemma and the trainers, Mariella and Denise at Finishing Touches. We will be shortly looking at new dates, so keep an eye out on our social media.
Sarah’s skin camouflage consultation
Sue, Trudi and Polly Before and after
Trainees and burn survivors, Sept Course ‘25
Dan’s Fund and Restore Scar Therapy Massage Day
We were delighted to host a Scar Therapy Day at the London School of Osteopathy, in partnership with Restore Scar Therapy.
The event, held on Saturday 6th September, brought together individuals living with burn scars, providing them with access to specialist scar therapy in a supportive and welcoming environment.
It was a wonderful opportunity for people to experience first-hand the benefits of expert hands-on treatment, as well as to connect with others who share similar journeys. For many of the burn survivors this was the first time their scars had been touched for many years.
A huge thank you goes to our incredible volunteer Scar Therapists, who so generously gave their time, skills, and compassion to make the day such a success. Their expertise and kindness made a real difference to everyone who attended, and we are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to improving the lives of people living with scars.
We would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to our volunteers who baked and brought along delicious home-cooked treats.
The warm atmosphere they helped create—with plates of cakes, biscuits, and other goodies—made the day even more special and added that personal touch of care and community.
Before and after their free scar therapy massage, burn survivors were able to relax and meet with other survivors and find out more about Dan’s Fund For Burns. A skin camouflage specialist, Katie, was on hand to give one to one consultations more of which you will read on the next page.
We were extremely lucky to have the event sponsored by Joint Operations Ltd, Naqi Skincare and Espere Healthcare (BAP Medical UK).
Thanks must also go to Elaine Thompson from Joint Operations for giving up her Saturday to come and volunteer for the day.
Together, this collaboration showed the power of kindness, expertise, and shared purpose. We are proud to have partnered with Restore Scar Therapy and our sponsors to put on this first complimentary scar therapy massage day, and we look forward to hosting more days like this in the future.
We were delighted to have Katie Holloway from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, join us to offer skin camouflage consultations to burn survivors who attended our free Scar Massage Therapy day.
Katie trained on our first Finishing Touches Skin Camouflage course in January 2025 and was happy to volunteer for us on the day, to demonstrate how effective skin camouflage can be on burn scars.
For some, it was the first time they had ever tried skin camouflage products and they were pleased with the results. Skin camouflage provides another way to improve the appearance of scars. Big thanks to Katie for coming along and helping us out.
A burn survivor’s Perspective…. Skin Camouflage at the Scar Therapy Massage day
KatieHolloway,QEH,Birmingham OfferingSkincamouflageconsults
Sarah talks here about her scar massage And skin Camouflage consultation
“I had the most wonderful time at the burn scar massage day in London last Saturday.
The massage was deeply soothing, and it was the first time since I was four years old that someone had touched my scars for healing.
I also learned about the tissue beneath my scars and the areas where I have lost tissue, which was eyeopening. After tea and cake, I had a cosmetic camouflage session—again, the first time in six decades that someone had attended to my burns— and they actually made them look invisible!
How fabulous was that! I loved meeting other survivors too; it feels as though I’m finally owning a part of myself that I’ve long kept hidden or denied. I’m very grateful for the whole experience.”
ChristabellSkinCamouflage Beforeandafter
After Skin Camouflage
Before Skin Camouflage
Christabell
My burn to my hands and forearms left me unable to work for a couple of months - my job role as a scrub nurse requires me to wash my hands frequently so my skin had to be fully healed before my return to work.
I was struggling to keep up with essential bills so I decided to contact Dan’s Fund For Burns to request some financial support.
I was so down it took me a lot to even think of asking for help. When Jennifer spoke with me on the phone, I felt she understood my pain and worries about my bills and made sure she had all the information needed for my funding request.
I was in tears when I heard that Dan’s Fund would give me a donation to help with the bills. The charity has helped me beyond measure and I am very grateful.
I read about the Wednesday evening online support chat and have joined a couple of times now. I am sure Dan’s Fund has touched so many lives as they touched
mine - I will forever be grateful for what the charity has done for me.
Thanks Dan's Fund.
Christabell
We were delighted that Christabell joined us at our Scar therapy day too!
Emergency fundingOver 50 grants this year
One of the most rewarding ways in which Dan’s Fund helps to support burn survivors is through financial crisis grants and with the cost of living ever increasing we have seen a large increase in requests for help with paying household bills, transport and accommodation costs.
Donations made;
• Travel & Accommodation
• Car contribution
• Judo course
• First aid course
• New carpets
• New cooker
• Counselling qualification
• Specialised kitchen equipment
• Clothes
• Living costs
• Laptop
• Funeral costs
• Bedding
• Contribution to a new van
• Rent/Mortgage payments
• Pressure garments
• Flat refurbishment
• Wig prescription
• Moving costs
• Gaming Chair
Burn Survivor Day out London - 2nd August
BURN SURVIVOR EVENT
“Being with people who simply “got it” without explanation was profoundly moving.”
Sarah, Burn Survivor
Following our successful burn survivor weekend in Newcastle in September 2024, the team at Dan’s Fund For Burns was keen to arrange an in-person meet up for burn survivors this summer (2025).
Online resources are a fantastic way to keep burn survivors in touch and feel connected on a weekly basis, however, there is nothing quite like the social interaction of an in-person meet-up, to feel more connected.
With that in mind, Jennifer and Polly headed to London in March to research potential venues for our meet up.
Mindful of how unpredictable our British weather can be, it was decided that we needed to secure an indoor venue for at least part of the day to ensure it was not a washout! We hoped that the weather gods would be kind and we could expand the day.
After visiting several possible activity venues across the city, we decided that Queen’s Skate Dine and Bowl in Queensway would be the perfect location. Right near two tube stations and being near Hyde Park allowed for a picnic in the park followed by a private bowling area, light meal and some interactive darts.
As always with these sorts of events, it is hard to know at the start what interest we will receive, but we took the gamble and booked it.
The date was chosen – Saturday 2nd August, and we started marketing the event. Summer is always tricky of course, clashing with holidays and competing with other events, but we were delighted that we had a good turn out with burn survivors travelling from across the UK to join us for the day – a couple of them
BurnSurvivordayOutpicnicatHydePark
coming from as far as Scotland! We had a lovely mix of burn survivors joining us for the first time and some familiar faces from previous Dan’s Fund events.
The great British weather just about held up for us and we were able to meet in Hyde Park for a nice, relaxed picnic which was a great icebreaker.
Later, a short walk to Queens Skate Dine and Bowl on Queensway, led by our Medical Trustee, Greg Williams and we moved onto the activity part of the day.
In our private bowling alley room, with four lanes we split into groups and soon we were having loads of fun with the bowling. A brief interlude for a buffet and drinks was had before a prize giving for the top three scores.
Moving from the bowling we finished up with an hour of interactive darts and lots of chatter as we changed up the groups again to ensure everyone mingled.
For those who had time, we finished up the afternoon back at Queens bar for a final drink and farewell.
It was great to see everyone feeling comfortable, relaxed and having a good time with some lovely connections made between the burn survivors.
Thanks go to our sponsor, Joint Operations Ltd and Elaine Thompson who volunteered her time, along with some of our Trustees who came along to provide medical and moral support.
Sponsored by
Sarah joins our day
Sarah sustained a scald from boiling water at the age of 7 months and shares the positive impact the day had…
“ I was quite nervous about going because it was the first time I had ever met other burn survivors—in 64 years!
But as soon as I arrived, I felt such a sense of connection and understanding. For me, the day was about reclaiming a part of myself that is so often invisible to others.
My burns are easy to hide, and that means people rarely grasp what I went through or how it shaped me. Being with people who simply “got it” without explanation was profoundly moving.
And it wasn’t all serious—we had tremendous fun!
We shared stories and laughter over a picnic in the park before heading off to the bowling alley. I surprised myself by getting very enthusiastic (and maybe just a touch competitive!) and it was a joy to feel so relaxed and included.
Talking with fellow burn survivors was deeply meaningful for me, and I’m so grateful to Dan’s Fund For Burns for making this day possible. The tremendously positive impact of the day is still with me.”
Sarah
DFFB helps Burn Survivor qualify as a Judo Scotland level 1 coach
“Judo has been key in my recovery from burn surgery as it has allowed me to try and use my legs again in a safe way and build up what movement I can.”
I only fight groundwork as I am a full-time wheelchair user. I was able to help with the Kai class (4 to 8 year olds) and passed my blue belt just before Christmas 2024.
This meant I met all requirements to take the Judo level 1 Coach course and I thought if I can pass my level 1, I will be able to do so much more to support my club - I would need to pass the level 1 and a first aid course.
Dan’s Fund For Burns helped me in the past with a wheelchair attachment so I approached the charity earlier this year to see if they would be able to help me fund the courses I needed so that I can coach. I also needed to find a BSL interpreter to help me with the course as I am deaf and use BSL. I am grateful that my friend, Becky, came along to translate into BSL for me.
With the support of Dan’s Fund For Burns and Judo Scotland, I completed my Judo Scotland Level 1 Coach
Certificate in June this year.
Thank you to Dan’s Fund for supporting me to attend this course and for your help over the years.
Orange (Nici)
OrangewithBecky, herBSLtranslator
Bahishta – laptop
I’m truly grateful for your help and I sincerely appreciate your support in providing me with a laptop.
Thank you for your generosity and encouragement. This support means a great deal and will be a big help with my studies.
It has made a significant positive impact on my learning and productivity.
Thank you once again to Dan’s Fund for your kind support—I truly appreciate it.
Best regards,
Bahishta
Orangecompetingfor herJudotraining
Bea the Fire-eater, when one door shuts, another opens!
Bea, a burn survivor DFFB helped last year, was able to arrange a generous donation from the company where she works. It was a great surprise to receive this generous donation from GXO.
In September 2024, while on holiday in the US, I unfortunately sustained a burn injury during a fire breathing performance.
I was fairly experienced as I had been doing fire performances for three years, so the accident was completely unexpected and a big shock.
Although I was incredibly fortunate not to have a larger surface area affected, it still left me with many difficult and mixed feelings.
At times, the way it happened drew judgement from others, which made it even harder to process.
When I returned to the UK, I wasn’t able to work for some time, and that’s when Dan’s Fund For Burns stepped in to support me.
My hand therapist at the hospital encouraged me to reach out, and it truly was the best decision I could have made. The support I received made such a difference during a very uncertain period.
Later in the year, through my workplace’s donation-tocharities programme, I had the opportunity to nominate a cause close to my heart — choosing DFFB was a no-brainer and I was glad they were chosen to receive a donation.
It felt like a small way to give back to the charity that had been there for me when I needed it most.
The accident also led me down some unexpected paths. It encouraged me to explore new passions, and I discovered a branch of knife throwing I might never have tried otherwise (as a sport throwing at a target for points).
In just six months, I became a world champion — something I could never have imagined at the time of my injury. It was an unexpected silver lining that reminded me how setbacks can sometimes open the door to surprising new opportunities.
Most importantly, I am so grateful for the incredible community that Jennifer and Polly have built through DFFB.
They have created such a welcoming and inclusive space where every story is respected.
At the London Burn Survivor Day Out, I experienced that first-hand: for the first time, I didn’t feel judged for how my injury happened. Instead, I felt included, supported, and inspired by the amazing people I met.
Discovering DFFB has been a gift, and I am thankful every day for the connection, kindness, and strength I’ve found in this community.
Beaand Polly
Bea
The Bali Catalyst:
Turning Grief into Global Healing
Born from the tragedy of the Bali Bombings in 2002, our mission has expanded into a movement for global healing. Today, our patented NovoSorb® technology has touched the lives of over 80,000 patients, guided by more than 400 clinical publications, and is helping people in 46 countries worldwide.
Generate a neodermis over exposed bones and tendons1,3,4
Rethink Scar Reconstruction
NovoSorb® BTM is a synthetic, bioabsorbable scaffold that enables generation of a vascularised neodermis, to provide a robust foundation for reconstruction over deep structures, including exposed bone and tendons.6,7
It is indicated for full or deep partial thickness burns, traumatic wounds, complex vascular and surgical and reconstructive wounds.
Robust in the presence of infection2,3
Dermal repair to support limb salvage5
Design to minimise contracture over functionally important areas4
Pictured: John Weeks, first burns patient treated.
Presenting Dan’s Fund..
..and building corporate relationships to raise awareness about what we do at Dan’s Fund For Burns
The recent PolyNovo European Team sales meeting at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa offered an elegant setting for strategy and collaboration, but the day’s most powerful moment came from guest speaker Polly Brooks. A survivor of the 2002 Bali bombings, Polly shared her story with extraordinary honesty and courage. She reminded us that NovoSorb BTM is not only a world-class medical technology but also a symbol of compassion, born from tragedy. Her reflections on loss, survival, and purpose connected deeply with the team, shifting the focus from commercial targets to the real human lives impacted by our work.
The origins of NovoSorb BTM lie in the devastation of Bali, when hundreds were left with catastrophic burns. In the aftermath, Professor John Greenwood, a pioneering burns specialist, recognised the urgent need for new solutions. His relentless research led to the creation of NovoSorb BTM, now a global breakthrough in burn care. Against this backdrop, Polly’s testimony carried remarkable weight. She
Joint Operations Ltd Polynovo
Polly was invited to join Joint Operations Ltd at their offices near Swindon in May of this year. Joint Operations had kindly offered to give Polly some social media training from their marketing team as well as agreeing to sponsor our Scar Massage Therapy Day, Burn Survivor Day out and the Rugby!
As part of her day at the Joint Operations, Polly was given a tour of their office and of particular interest was the Skin bank area, which stores donated skin and services the NHS. Before lunch, Lauryn then gave Polly some social media marketing training and she in turn, presented Dan’s Fund to the company.
A big thank you to Elaine, Simon, Darragh and the rest of the team for attending and a massive thank you to all those at Joint Operations for your support.
spoke candidly about the physical and emotional scars she still carries, the pain of losing her husband and friends, and the long, difficult road to recovery. For many of us, her story transformed an abstract product into a lifeline, making clear the profound impact of innovation when driven by empathy.
Yet Polly’s journey did not stop at survival. Determined to create meaning from her experience, she founded the charity in memory of her late husband, Dan. The charity offers vital emotional and practical support to burn survivors, bridging the gap between medical treatment and life after trauma.
Her work highlights the importance of community, resilience, and hope—values that resonate strongly with PolyNovo’s mission. As we continue to bring lifechanging solutions to patients worldwide, Polly’s story serves as a lasting reminder that behind every treatment is a person, a family, and a future worth fighting for.
Young Adult Burns Association Camp, 4th-7th April 2025
In April this year 26 Young Adult Burns Survivors aged 18-25 attended the DFFB sponsored YABA weekend, held at the Bluestone Resort in Pembrokeshire Wales.
Seven of the group were attending their first YABA weekend and for two of them it was their first time attending any face to face burns related event.
Staying across three self-catering lodges and supported by two older burns survivors and two facilitators, attendees had the option to take part in a variety of activities as well as enjoy free time.
On Saturday morning all of the group enjoyed swimming at the onsite pool, with its water slides, lazy river, wave machine and jacuzzi pools. In the afternoon the group headed to the nearby coastal town of Tenby, visiting the local lifeboat station, variety of shops and finishing with a fish and chip supper on the beach, before heading back to Bluestone for bowling.
At the 2024 YABA weekend one of the highlights for many of those that attended was a group workshop/ open forum where life issues relating to their burn injury could be discussed in a safe space with the benefit of peer support and shared experiences.
It was felt that this was a highly beneficial part of the weekend and this year it was held on the Sunday morning, led by the two older burn survivors. Once again it proved to be a highly valued part of the weekend.
On the Sunday afternoon, people had the choice to try a two hour ‘spa experience’ or for those that wanted more activity, a bike ride through the woods!
Finally with the weekend nearing its end, and the warm sunshine still shining down, the majority of the group decided to drive the 20 minutes to Broadhaven beach to watch the sunset and have a few more games on the beach!
As the weekend goes very quickly, feedback after the event really helps us understand the benefits of attending. On the next page, we’ve included a few quotes from the feedback, asking attendees about the benefits of the weekend, their highlights and about the workshop.
Dan’s Fund is proud to pay for this an annual Young Adult Burn Association (YABA) weekend for burn survivors 18-25yrs old. If you’d like to find out more, please contact DFFB or email martin.palmer@nhs.net who organises these weekends.
Martin Palmer Children’s Burns Club, Broomfield Hospital
Feedback
Martin and his team recognised it can be quite daunting for burn survivors to attend the Young Adult Burn Association weekend for the first time, potentially with people they have never met. They decided to ask the young adults what advice they would give to someone thinking about attending their first YABA event.
‘Just do it, everyone is so so lovely and inviting, you will meet someone who you can relate to and be friends with forever. It’s scary but after day 1 you’ll feel so fine.’
In April 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Young Adult Burns Association (YABA) weekend in Wales, kindly funded by Dan’s Fund For Burns. It was a beautiful opportunity to spend time with other young burn survivors aged 18 to 25.
Being surrounded by people who truly understand what it means to live with a burn injury is something incredibly special, and it made for a weekend I will never forget.
We took part in a mix of activities that gave us the chance to relax, have fun and reflect together. There were spa sessions, cycling through the stunning Welsh countryside and a wonderful trip to Tenby where we explored the town and the beach.
One of the most meaningful parts of the weekend for me was a peer-led counselling session. We all came together in a safe space to share our stories, our worries and the ups and downs of our journeys. Hearing other people open up so honestly reminded me how strong and supportive this community is. It was emotional, but in the best way.
Weekends like this matter so much because they remind you that you are not alone. Being around others who just get it without needing long explanations lifts a weight you did not realise you were carrying. I left feeling lighter, braver and proud of how far we have all come.
I want to say a huge thank you to Dan’s Fund For Burns for making weekends like this possible, and to everyone who helped organise such a meaningful few days. The memories, laughter and friendships made will stay with me for a very long time.
Rhys
‘It gave me a break from life and a chance to relax.’
‘It helped me with my confidence and to realise there is more to life then scars and worrying about it.’
‘I think it was beneficial for myself and others, it can be hard for everyone for open up about feelings. I feel the ability to speak and be heard by people who understand and can relate is very beneficial for everyone involved.’
BURN SURVIVOR STORIES
Mercy’s story
“I feel so blessed to be involved with DFFB and l am glad that l am able to give back to them by volunteering.”
ModeratorMercy,DFFBvolunteer andBefriender
I sustained 45% burns over thirty years ago and first got involved with Dan's Fund For Burns (DFFB) in 2019 when I attended DFFB's first adult burn survivor weekend in Oxford. The thought of being in a group with other people / burn survivors gave me a lot of anxiety as I didn't know what to expect.
From the time I got there, I was introduced to other burn survivors and the event started with a pub-style quiz which helped us all to relax and settle into the weekend.
I have since attended both the 2023 and 2024 DFFB weekends and I am so grateful for the journey as it has really helped me gain confidence and not be too anxious around other people.
I now work as a ward visitor for Sound Minds, a mental health charity supporting people with mental health issues in their recovery, and after the DFFB weekend in September 2024, I felt I wanted to support other burn survivors through my own lived experience of burns.
Earlier this year I attended the DFFB training workshop to join as a volunteer moderator for the weekly online burn support live chat. For the moderator role, it is best to use a laptop and as my old laptop didn't even have a battery and would always overheat, I was grateful that DFFB was able to help me get a new laptop.
In the same training workshop, I also trained to be a DFFB Befriender where I can offer peer support to burn survivors on a one-to-one basis using Zoom, MS Teams or videocall, as part of DFFB's Befriender Peer Support Service. I am available to be matched with a burn survivor who may request some support at any point in their recovery.
I feel so blessed to be involved with DFFB and l am glad that l am able to give back to them by volunteering.
Mercy Burn Survivor
At Dan’s Fund For Burns, we understand the importance that peer support can play in burns recovery, so we are pleased to offer two online adult burns peer support options: a weekly online burn support live chat and a one-to-one online burns peer support service via MS Teams, Zoom or over the phone.
After being discharged from hospital, burn survivors can feel very isolated as they adjust to living life dayto-day with a burn injury. Being able to connect with other burn survivors is beneficial to their emotional recovery.
The Befriender Peer Support Service is available for burn survivors who may be struggling at any point in their recovery. After filling out a form, we will match them with a trained burn survivor who can offer peer support through their own experience of living with burns.
In January 2025, we trained more burn survivors to volunteer as Befrienders and Moderators.
The weekly online burn support live chat continues to thrive, averaging 5-7 people joining most weeks. It’s a safe space that burn survivors can join online any Wednesday, 7.30-9pm, to ask questions, chat and support each other.
The chat is hosted on the Adult Burn Support UK website (funded by Dan’s Fund) which acts as an information hub for signposting individuals to the aftercare and support available to adult burn survivors across the UK.
We are grateful to the Company of Actuaries Charitable Trust who continue to fund this website and live chat through their annual donation to DFFB.
If you’re a burn survivor and would like to find out more about peer support, please visit the get help section of our website.
www.dansfundforburns.org or email info@dansfundforburns.org.
Burns night delight Adult Peer Support Options - Dan’s Fund For Burns
Polly was delighted to be asked by the then Master of the Worshipful Company of Actuaries, Mr Gordon Sharp, to speak to the members of the Worshipful Company of Actuaries at their Burns Night dinner at the Plaisterers’ Hall in January of this year.
The Charity of the Worshipful Company of Actuaries has been supporting Dan’s Fund For Burns Adult Peer Support services since the very beginning in 2018 and Gordon’s invitation gave Polly the perfect opportunity to thank all those involved with the charity and all members who donated to the charity fund.
Naturally, the speech included the necessary puns for a burns charity to be represented at a Burns Night dinner and Polly was thrilled to be presented with a surprise donation on the evening itself!
Thank you to all those involved with the Worshipful Company of Actuaries’ Charitable Trust.
Worshipful Company of Actuaries
Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead Laser Suite donation
Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead was delighted to receive a grant from Dan’s Fund For Burns to finish off their laser suite after a laser machine had been finally secured for their service.
The suite required a specialised fridge and chair to enable the safe use of the machine and Dan’s Fund was able to step in and help.
Polly, having had some laser at Chelsea and Westminster, is now one of the patients to benefit from this new laser suite at East Grinstead.
With the suite fully kitted out, Polly was able to meet with Louise Rodgers for a test patch back in June before heading for laser treatment on her left arm and shoulder in October.
Welcome to the Visible Difference Support Hub
This is a new website giving easy access to free resources to support people with burns or other conditions or injuries that can affect how a person looks. All backed by research by the team at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) (www.uwe.ac.uk/car), with lots of input from people with lived experience of visible differences, and relevant support organisations and health professionals. The website includes easy access to 13 resources including an app, an e-book, videos, booklets, websites and a board game. A new podcast series about dating and relationships will be added in 2025, and more resources will be added in the future
VR Headset Reseach funding - Southmead
Dan’s Fund for Burns is delighted to have recently partnered with Nick Amberley from the burns unit at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, to begin an exciting new research project which will explore the use of Virtual Reality (VR) therapy during burns treatment.
Burns care, such as wound debridement and dressing changes, can be a very distressing process for patients. They are generally painful procedures, aversive and are associated with stress, anxiety and the administration of significant amounts of medication. VR therapy aims to reduce the impact of burns care, and we believe that it does this in a few key ways:
1.Pain reduction. VR is a great distraction; it is immersive, it allows for people to be present in an alternative reality and interact with it. This means people can shift their focus away from a painful procedure which in turn reduces pain intensity. There is even evidence to suggest VR can reduce activity in the parts of the brain where pain is processed.
2. Anxiety reduction. We know that anxiety can make pain more intense, and the emotion itself can make procedures unpleasant. VR provides a soothing environment for people to explore, promoting relaxation and making procedures more tolerable. When in less anxious states, our bodies are less sensitive to pain, and we have more psychological resources to deal with the pain we do experience.
3. Reduced medication usage. By reducing the pain intensity, VR has been shown to reduce people’s need for pain medication during procedures. This is a healthy thing and reduces the risk of side effects.
Research in the past has shown that VR therapy works well in reducing pain and anxiety for child burn care, but there is less evidence for adult burns.
We also know very little about what the best procedure for guiding people through VR therapy might be.
By interviewing both patients following their burns care, and the staff administering dressing changes, we aim to understand more about the experience of VR therapy in burns and learn more about how to make the most of this new technology.
We hope to develop and formalise a ‘VR protocol’, something like a ‘how-to’ guide to inform the future use of VR therapy in burns care.
The VR systems chosen to be used in this project will be provided by SyncVR Medical, a well-established and industry leading European healthcare technology company. They offer a portable VR kit which is easy to use and has a wide variety of software options, ranging from passive relaxation environments, to engaging and interactive games.
to the Visible Difference Support Hub
4. Improved healing. Less pain and anxiety during procedures reduces our body’s natural stress response. By keeping our body out of this ‘fight-orflight’ state, VR may have a role in boosting wound recovery after procedures.
ebsite giving easy access to free resources to support people with onditions or injuries that can affect how a person looks. All backed ch by the team at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) /car), with lots of input from people with lived experience of visible and relevant support organisations and health professionals. cludes easy access to 13 resources including an app, an e-book, s, websites and a board game. A new podcast series about dating ps will be added in 2025, and more resources will be added in the
A key benefit of this kit is its flexibility; people can choose and adjust the programme they are using, and even tailor the volume of the programme so that they can listen to the person carrying out the procedure as they do it.
The project is due to start at Southmead Hospital within the next few months. We’re excited to see how cutting-edge technology can contribute to patient and staff experiences and improve clinical outcomes. Dan’s Fund for Burns will remain an active partner throughout, providing guidance and direction as the research continues.
eDifferenceSupportHub
British Burn Association DFFB and Moor Instruments in Brighton
Despite the British weather trying to do its absolute worst, we had a very successful few days at the Annual British Burns Association conference in Brighton in June.
For the first time ever, sponsored by the wonderful Moor Instruments Ltd, Dan’s Fund For Burns had their own charity stand at the conference.
New table cloths were purchased along with extra branded giveaways. We were ready for three full days filled with meetings and seeing how our Dan’s Fund For Burns funded projects have changed lives and helped our wonderful NHS burn professionals train.
We were delighted to meet with runners, Emily and JulieAnne from Bristol and Belfast respectively, to say thank you in person for their endeavours to raise money for us and give back for all the support we have given their services and patients.
With support from Peter, Julie and Rodney from Moor Instruments Ltd, Jennifer and I are so lucky to be able to continue attending these events.
This is so important, not only to advertise the services that Dan’s Fund For Burns offer to burn survivors and the burn services, but also it allows us to keep up to date with the latest burns techniques and allows us to brainstorm new funding ideas and research projects.
We were blessed to see so many of our burn professional colleagues from Bristol, Swansea, Sheffield, Whiston, East Grinstead... the list goes on
and it is extremely gratifying to know we are making a difference. This of course helps motivate us to continue with the work we do, running our emotional support services, our well-being days and burn survivor weekends, not to mention the financial grants and larger donations and training to the NHS.
Jennifer and I were pleased to present our poster on our analysis of the benefits of adult burn survivor peer support residential weekends on the final day. We were able to show how this type of event has a positive impact on the overall well-being of burn survivors who attend. They feel more confident, positive, more accepting of their burn scars and make friends who understand what they’re going through.
A special thanks to Julie Richardson, Richard Jady and Rodney Gush from Moor Instruments Ltd for their support over the years and to Joint Operations for our invitation to their dinner.
Fundraising 2heads hike for DFFB
We were delighted to be chosen by 2heads, a leading global brand and marketing agency to be one of the beneficiaries from a planned South Downs Hike at the end of September and Polly was invited to their offices in Marlow to present to the company about Dan’s Fund.
The presentation was timed for just before the challenge and was well received. It turned out to be particularly close to home for one of their staff who was burned as a young child herself. The company reported back…
“This summer, the 2Heads team took on an incredible challenge: hiking the South Downs Way to raise funds for three charities Dan’s Fund for Burns, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Bourne End Junior Sports Club.
Over the course of two days, the team trekked more than 45km along the stunning South Downs trail, including a night of camping along the way. Their efforts raised an impressive total of over £15,000, which will be shared equally between the three charities.
2headsSouthDownshikefor Dan’sFundForBurns
It was an unforgettable experience that combined teamwork, resilience, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Donations in lieu
Ben Renshaw - Facebook fundraiser
Thanks to Ben Renshaw, one of our burn survivor friends who we first met in person at the 2023 burn survivor weekend in Guildford and who has joined us as a volunteer befriender this year.
Ben also ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon for us last year and was due to run it again this year but sadly has broken a couple of ribs! He is a loyal supporter of the fund and took the opportunity to raise some money for Dan’s Fund on his birthday this year through Facebook.
This is an incredibly easy and successful way to raise funds for your favourite charity but not many do it. A big thank you to Ben for his efforts.
Emma Danks - Trustee
A massive thank you to our long standing Chair of Trustees, Emma Danks, who instead of asking for presents for her 50th birthday kindly asked her guests for donations to Dan’s Fund For Burns.
Her party to celebrate her 50th birthday was a massive success and Emma’s friends could not have been more generous. A massive £1600 was raised from this one event.
Thank you Emma for your unending support and for all your legal advice too.
If you are thinking of doing something like this then please do get in touch and we’d be delighted to help you get any fundraising pages set up.
Running for Dan’s Fund
We have been incredibly lucky to have had some amazing runners test their bodies and their friends pockets for Dan’s Fund this year, from both NHS burncare professionals, burn survivors and those connected to the Bali bombing trials…
EX -Lead prosecutor Col. George C. Kraehe - multiple marathons!
For over 20 years I’ve been running marathons to raise money for charity. I’ve run 66 marathons, including at least one in each of the 50 U.S. states.
Several years ago in connection with my work as a lawyer, I became acquainted with survivors of the 2002 Bali bombings.
I made the acquaintance of many of these survivors and learned of the horrors they endured and continued to endure.
I also came to know Polly Brooks, MBE, who suffered burns to most of her body in the Bali bombings, and who tragically lost her husband, Dan Miller, to whom she had been wed just five weeks before.
Polly turned her suffering and tragedy into hope and empowerment for those who like her have sustained burn injuries.
Polly’s strength, her resilience, her dignity, and her essential optimism, like all the Bali bombing victims I came to know, have moved and inspired me. That is why two years ago I devoted all the marathons I have yet to run to the charity she
Sky diving
founded in her late husband’s memory, Dan’s Fund For Burns.
To date, I’ve run the Jersey City, Marine Corps, New York City, and Santiago, Chile marathons for Dan’s fund.
This coming April I will run the London Marathon and will have the exciting opportunity to see Polly and reunite with all my dear UK Bali bombing survivor friends and family.
I have committed to running a marathon on every continent and hope to raise awareness and money for Dan’s Fund.
https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ george-kraehe
I hope you will join me in supporting this loving and noble cause.
George
Isabella Benbow jumps out of a plane on her 21st Birthday JulieAnne,anOTfromBelfast rantheBelfastHalfMarathon
Isabella Benbow contacted Dan’s Fund For Burns in late 2024 with plans to do a sky dive in memory of her Nan, who had sadly died a few years ago in a house fire.
Isabella was keen to support a burns charity and had picked Dan’s Fund and decided that a jump on her 21st birthday would be a great way to celebrate this momentous occasion but also to remember her favourite Nan.
Thanks so much to Isabella for choosing our charity.
This sparked an idea for Dan’s Fund to sign up with Skyline Events to offer others the chance to jump out of a plane.
For those that might be interested, please do get in touch or check out our website on how to apply.
Running for Dan’s Fund
Emily Forrest, burns and plastics physiotherapist at Southmead hospital - Bristol Half Marathon
Sunday May 11th 2025
Earlier this year, I took on the challenge of running the Bristol Half Marathon. It was not just about personal achievement, but about giving back to a charity that means so much to both me and my patients, Dan’s Fund for Burns.
As a burns physiotherapist at Southmead Hospital, I work closely with people recovering from life-changing injuries. Their rehabilitation is not only physical, but also emotional and psychological. Recovery continues long after they leave the hospital, and that is where Dan’s Fund makes such an incredible difference.
Running the half marathon was my way of saying thank you. The atmosphere in Bristol was amazing, with so much support from the crowds and a true sense of community.
My colleagues at Southmead were incredibly supportive too, cheering me on and encouraging me every step of the way.
It was an unforgettable experience, and I was proud to run it for a cause that continues to support our patients long after they leave our care.
They provide a vital support network for our patients in the community, helping them adjust to life after injury and rebuild their confidence. On top of that, they kindly donated funds that allowed us to transform our therapy room into a more effective and supportive space for rehabilitation. That donation has made a real and lasting impact on the care we are able to provide.
Kirsty Ercan, burn survivor -Brighton Half Marathon
3rd March 2025
One evening, while play fighting with my brother, he accidentally knocked over a kettle of boiling water, which poured over half of my body. The pain was unimaginable as I watched my skin burn away. I was rushed to Broomfield Hospital, diagnosed with thirddegree burns, and treated immediately.
After multiple surgeries and rehabilitation. I live with scars covering 20% of my body and was told I’d never run or do extreme sports.
In my early 20s, I found “Dan’s Fund For Burns,” a charity that gave me vital support and a sense of community. Through their resources and peer support, I gained strength and hope.
I chose to run the Brighton Half Marathon to show that recovery is possible and to raise funds for a charity that doesn’t get enough recognition for the incredible impact it has on burn survivors. Although I still have more surgery ahead, I chose to fundraise for them because they’ve been essential in my healing — mentally and physically — and made a real difference in my journey.
This charity is crucial in helping burn survivors rebuild their lives, and I’m proud to support their efforts.
Sunningdale Heath Golf Club 2025
What a fabulous day at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club we had on Friday 16th May 2025.
The weather was kind to us this year with glorious sunshine and despite a smaller than usual turn out due to some diary clashes, we had a great time and raised nearly as much as last year.
A massive thanks to all those who came, played and so generously donated to the raffle.
of helpers, Chris, Carol and Jane and all the staff at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club.
We were lucky to have a fun and forgiving Texas Scramble format, with lots of laughter and joy, whilst raising money for Dan's Fund For Burns.
Congratulations to the Winners, "The Worplesdon Wonders!" (Ruth Bailey, Sarah Marks, Andrea Byrne and Dawn Brodderick). A great score from them.
Thanks also goes to my Mum, Rosemary and her team
Lamberhurst Golf Club smashes targets for Dan’s Fund
We featured John Seal’s charity day in our last newsletter, when we mentioned John was hoping to raise £15,000 for Dan’s Fund.
Unfortunately, John was diagnosed with prostate cancer midyear but took this typically in his stride and quickly started treatment.
This gave him the impetus to raise even more money for Dan’s Fund by having his head shaved for charity, whilst promoting awareness of prostate cancer.
Friends from far and wide donated and John raised an incredible £20,953 for Dan’s Fund For Burns. I am delighted to say that he has made a good recovery following treatment and is smitten with the safe arrival of his first grandchild, Harry!
Thank you John, friends and all at Lamberhurst Golf Club for this amazing fundraising effort.
A Big Hymn Sing
Dan’s Fund For Burns was delighted to be chosen as the charity of choice for Shamley Green’s “Big Hymn Sing” at Christ Church on Saturday 9th August 2025.
The inspiration behind the “Big Hymn Sing” was the wonderfully charismatic Rob Blythe, Director of Music. His enthusiasm and musical talent ensured a joyful afternoon, with the congregation singing along to a “Top of the Pops” style hymn sheet and enjoying some creative re-arrangements of much-loved classics.
I was honoured to speak of Dan’s Funds work with burn survivors across the UK - made possible thanks to generous donations raised through the years from Christ Church and the wider Shamley Green community.
Christ Church, Shamley Green is a place of deep personal meaning for me. Having been married there on 7th September 2002, the church has stood with me and my family through both joyful and painful times. I am lucky to be able to visit the blossom tree and
Dedicationplaque attreeplantedforDan‘03
plaque dedicated to Dan behind the church whenever I need a quiet moment.
Thank you to everyone who made the Big Hymn Sing possible, from serving Pimms and elderflower fizz to baking delicious cakes and sweet treats.
Thanks to the generosity of all involved, a wonderful £2,230.04 (including Gift Aid) was raised for Dan’s Fund For Burns.
Everyone who contributed should be very proud. On behalf of all of us at Dan’s Fund, a huge THANK YOU to Rob, Sally, and the many helpers for your incredible support.
Thank You!
A massive thanks to some of our regular donors and sponsors who enable us to plan and continue our activities!
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
The Company of Actuaries
Charitable Trust
Moor Instruments Ltd
Findlay Park
The Broughtons
Patrick Mannix
Thomas & Ros Van Every
Paul Bentley
Binns Fencing Ltd
Espere Health Ltd
The Scar Wand
Restore Scar Therapy
Dnata ITDS
Jermaine Weeden
Karen Ellam
Hamish Buchan
Tricia Maskell
Lindy & Graham Clay
Sally Gash
Anne Chiene
Mary Walsh
Mary Haynes
Robert Basford
David Kingston
David Simpson
Geoffrey Knight
Claudia Jones
Jeremy & Isobel Porter
Sir Alex Harley
Thomas Anson
Tom & Anne Grimes
Joy Huston
Oceanus Charters
Choconchoc
QuilterCheviot Ltd
The Holiday Inn, Business Bay
dnata Travel
John Breeze
Comdaq Metals
The Evelyn Charitable
Settlement
Joint Operations Ltd
Eurosurgical Ltd
GXO
Polynovo Ltd and all who support us!
dnata Bali LegendsEmirates Airline win Dubai 7s 2024
We did it!
The dnata Bali Legends finally won the International Vets Cup at the Dubai 7s 2024 in a tense final against the 100 World Legends, beating them 10-7 on the main pitch.
There were no easy matches on the way to the top and it took a mix of determination, drive, energy and talent to pull this off.
After bitter disappointment in 2023, it was extremely important to the team, managers, sponsors and Dan’s Fund that we made a strong showing at the 2024 tournament and so our focus was immense.
Congratulations to all the boys who played with such pride and heart in memory of all those boys and girls killed in Bali.
Our team this year retained a large proportion of our 2023 squad including the likes of Toby Arnold, NZ 7s and Pierre-Gilles Lakafia, France International, Sam Cavan, Jamaica 7s, Alec Jenkins, Wales 7s and three players from the National UAE squad.
We added some additional depth with the new arrival of Scott Curry, ex Captain NZ 7s, Lewis Evans, Wales 7s and current HK men’s national coach amongst others.
To get our players ‘tournament ready’ having flown in from around the world, we were lucky to be hosted by Durant Gerber’s school, Dubai English Speaking College, for training.
The players were welcomed once again and supported by the Dubai Sharks (formerly the Arabian Pot Belly pigs set up by Brian Jenkins and Trefor Elliott on arrival into Dubai for work after Bali) and the Bali Legends pitched in with their juniors training session.
This was followed by a hugely successful and fun BBQ evening with their members. Thank you to Charlie, Nikhil and the rest of the club for their support.
DnataBaliLegends HolidayInnDubaiBusinessBaywinningTheTrophy
Thanks go to our title sponsors, dnata who not only support us financially but host us in their fabulous corporate hospitality each year, to Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, SilberArrows and Binns Fencing Ltd who are longtime supporters of the Bali Legends.
We were also lucky to have Return on Investment, Rhino Mena as returning sponsors and Oceanus Charters and Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay as new sponsors for 2024.
Each year, all sponsorship monies in excess of tour costs raised are donated to Dan’s Fund and we were pleased to raise over £13,000 in 2024 through our endeavours.
My husband, Paul and I head out to Dubai on the 25th November for the Bali Legends 16th Emirates Airlines
Dnata Bali Legends
Dubai 7s competition and we look forward to defending our title with our Bali Legends passion.
A huge thanks again to Mike Quinn from Rhino MENA for sorting out our kit for the team and to Trefor Elliott and Paul Webb for their tireless work as managers and we welcome our new sponsor, Joint Operations Ltd and Peregrine on board for 2025.
It requires an enormous amount of effort, time and money to take a professional team to play in the International Vets and we couldn’t do it without the help of the Sponsors, Players and Mangers.
A massiveTHANK YOU to all involved.
It is such a special thing to watch the dnata Bali Legends, striding around the Dubai 7s in all their kit and I am sure they will be playing their hearts out on
the pitch once again this year as they attempt to retain the cup!
Come what may, I am always super proud to be a part of this team and as I wrote last year, it is a perfect memorial for not only Dan, but for all the other rugby boys lost in Bali in 2002.
Forever on Tour.
Polly
Bali Anniversary Fundraising
Dan’s Fund Royal Parks Run 2024
In October 2024, on the anniversary weekend of the Bali bombings, six runners took part in the Royal Parks half marathon to raise funds for Dan’s Fund For Burns.
The weather was kind this year all the runners, Ben, Lee, Amanda, Jack, Gemma and Daisy, all smashed their runs and got Personal Bests.
Ben, was our first runner across the finish line, with an incredible time of 1h17m, placing 42nd out of 8,000 men – great result and well done Ben!
One of our runners, Lee, had played the HKFC Exciles vs Old Cranleighans Bali Memorial rugby match the day before the run, and was named man of the match. Amazing! Well done to him and all the other runners!
Thanks also to our supporters, who waved flags and cheered the runners on - Polly, Paul, Jennifer, Spencer and Jordan.
Bridge Tea
The Friday prior to the half marathon, our 21st Bridge Drive, in aid of Dan’s Fund, was held at Shalford Village Hall. This was organised by Polly’s mum, Rosemary!
The annual bridge drive sells out quickly not only for the bridge but for the most delicious homemade tea that is now a well enjoyed part of the event!
Massive thank you to Rosemary, her regular helpers, Jane, Shelila, Pauline, Hilary, Margaret, Frank and Val and everyone who came along and all the ladies who made delicious cakes and helped on the day.
Thanks also to new helper, Lisa Fahy, Lucy and Alistair Strong (Polly’s sister & brother in law) and Paul (Polly’s husband) for their help and support on the day.
Another successful bridge drive and we look forward to the next one. We take this opportunity to thank Val Band who held the original Bridge Tea in her garden in 2003.
Coffee fundraiser
Coffee Morning for DFFB hosted by Joy at Lynwood Retirement Village - Joy helped run the charity for 14 yrs!
On 1st November 2024, I was thrilled to host a coffee morning organised in aid of Dan's Fund For Burns.
Approximately 45 people attended to hear the story of Polly's survival of the 2002 bombings in Bali, and the subsequent formation of a Charity, in memory of her late husband Dan.
Polly's own experience being burned, drove her desire to help othe burn survivors and it was my privilege to assist Polly in building the charity, from the very early days until my retirement just prior to Covid.
The Coffee morning included morning tea with cakes cooked by one of the Lynwood staff members. As always, Polly gave a spellbinding performance, that for me, after all these years still brings tears to my eyes. We also held a raffle and with donations added we raised, with this small group, around £1,000.
A remarkable amount.
One family who attended had a family member in the USA who was a burn survivor and they were particularly interested in Polly's Charity.
In the days following, I was stopped by many who had attended, to compliment Polly on a super presentation and how much it was enjoyed.
Thank you Polly, hopefully we can repeat the morning before much longer.
Joy Huston
F1 Arcade Suppliers event Binns Fencing
Dan’s Fund is so lucky to be supported by Adam Binns and his team at Binns Fencing Ltd, not only through their annual rugby sponsorship but also through their charity donations, participation in golf days, our charity Balls.
We were only too happy to come and showcase Dan’s Fund when Adam offered to support the charity at their first ever Binns Fencing Suppliers event at the F1 Arcade at St Paul’s on the 19th March. Joy Huston, was thrilled to come out of retirement again to support us.
The Suppliers all had a wonderful afternoon racing, hosted by Adam and the Binns team. They even got me on one of the Racing car simulators in my heels!
The usual speeches and raffle, with some generous donations coming in, provided for a successful afternoon all round.
Thank you so much to Adam, his employees and their suppliers for all the support for Dan’s Fund For Burns.
Mount Snowdon
After
Iansufferingwithburnsto hands,faceandairways
having a dream that he climbed Snowdon, and sang “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” at the summit, Ian decided to make that dream real - and the entire Coconut team is climbing with him.
At the end of last year, one of our volunteer burn survivor befrienders, Ian Easton, came to us to discuss a fundraising idea he and his colleagues at Coconut Marketing had had to raise funds for Dan’s Fund For Burns.
Ian, who had suffered bad inhalation burns with his burn injury, had dreamt that he had climbed Mount Snowdon and had sung “Everybody wants to rule the world’ by Tears for Fears.
This dream was all the more poignant for him, having been a guitarist and lead singer in a band. He had to adjust to living with only 20% use of his airways following damage to his lungs in an explosion that resulted in burns to his hand, arm, leg and face. These injuries would mean climbing Mount Snowdon would be a significant challenge for him.
After talking to Ian, Polly and Jennifer decided that they would like to join him and his colleagues in this fundraising effort and so the planning began.
Adam interviews Ian and Polly about their burn journeys
Coconut marketing, the biggest franchise digital marketing agency, was keen to interview Polly and Ian together ahead of the trip to understand what this trip would mean to them both and to understand the inspiration behind it all. So Polly headed down to their office in April and chatted to Adam and Ian.
Plans were made with Paul, their leader organising all the details needed for a successful trip, including
Following the dream!
“Together, we can help make a difference to burn survivor's lives, one step at a time.”
booking the necessary hotels, transportation and of course a training plan, which we attempted to stick to!
The big day came round quickly and on June 19th, Jennifer and I met up with the rest of the Coconut Marketing team in Bangor the night before, in order to be up early and ready to set off to climb Yr Wyddffa (Mt. Snowdon).
With 6 routes to reach the summit, we had decided to use the Pyg track to go up and the Miners Track for the way down. This would be challenge enough for us.
We were lucky with the weather, but it was one of the hottest days of the summer this year so we needed to worry more about heat stroke than hypothermia, take umbrellas for shade rather than rain, wear light clothing and apply factor 50!
With little and often stops along the way, we met some lovely people also raising money for other great causes and we were able to take some incredible photographs along the way. We navigated our way along the path that was quite steep at times and rock scrambled in other parts.
With the sun beating down, it took a while to reach the summit so we were happy to have a short break once there, before gathering together to sing ‘Everybody wants to rule the world’, fulfilling Ian’s dream and reenergising ourselves for the descent!
Despite the 35 degrees down below, it was actually chilly at the top, but we were still able to take some great photos. A short sprinkling of rain cooled us down before we started the descent back down.
The views were stunning and with the help of some walking sticks we managed to get some sore knees back down the mountain and we were more than happy to go at a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery along the way. We took lots of photos to ensure we could thank everyone for their generous donations.
PollyandJenniferfinally madeit!
Between Polly, Jennifer, Ian and his colleagues, just shy of £10,000 (including gift aid) was raised for Dan’s Fund For Burns. Thanks to all those who donated and supported our effots.
Thanks again also to Coconut Marketing for organising the Mt Snowdon challenge, and to Ian for his dream that led to this remarkable trip for all of us.
Thank you to his colleagues, Paul, Mark, Ben, Adam, Lyndsey, Beth, Emily and Steph for all doing the climb too – a fantastic team effort.
“We did this for:
• Every person recovering from burns
• Every survivor trying to find normal again
• Every friend or family member feeling helpless
• Every new patient wondering if anyone understands”
Team Coconut and DFFBEnthusiastic from the start!!
Queen Victoria Hospital Support Group 10th Anniversary
Dan’s Fund tries to support other burns support groups and charities in the UK by supporting their events and giving guidance
In July, Jen Dorricott, Dan’s Fund For Burns Trustee and burn survivor and Polly, were invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead’s burn support group as they are both patients there.
Dan’s Fund was able to have a table at the event to provide information on how we help burn survivors. It was great to join in as burn survivors, ourselves, to enjoy the wonderful homemade tea and collage making activity.
Thanks to Rowena and Louise and all those others who organised such a lovely and welcoming tea party.
London Area Burns Adult group Sound Bath
When the London area adult burns support group, led by Lisa Williams, announced their intention to hold a soundbath, run by Seiem, a burn survivor herself, Polly was keen to attend if there was space.
On a lovely sunny Saturday in June, Polly headed to London to meet with other burn survivors to enjoy a most calming hour of sound healing.
Thank you to Seiem for her time and expertise in giving such an accomplished and spiritual journey through sound.
If you’d like to find out more about sound baths or where you could attend a sound bath, contact Seiem at info@goingforagong.com.
Seiem performs her soundbath for The London Area Burn Adult burn support group
In person adult burns support groups
London Area Burns Adult Group
The group meets four times a year usually in September, December, March and June. Meetings alternate between online and in-person and is available to anyone 16yrs and over who has experienced a burn (family and friends are welcome).
For more information on how to join the meetings, please contact Lisa Williams at tel: 020 3315 2504 or email: lmwilliams@nhs.net or visit Burns support groups — Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust at the chelwest.nhs.uk website.
Queen Victoria Hospital Burns Support Group, East Grinstead
The group meets three times a year. Meetings are usually activity based and open to any burn survivor (16yrs and over), parent or relative of a burn survivor. Meetings usually take place in March, July and November and are held at the hospital and run from 11am-2pm.
If you, or someone you know, would like to attend, or would like more information,please email qvh.burnssupportgroup@nhs.net or call 01342 414440.
Career conversations for burn survivors
Have you been affected by a burn injury which means you are unable to continue in your previous role?
Are you contemplating your career path as a result of your burn injury, recovery or ongoing care?
If so, Lisa Maclaren, a DFFB trustee with over 25 years experience in recruitment and talent, can offer support.
During an initial 30-60 minute phone or video call, you’ll have an opportunity to talk through your work experience and options. Lisa can help review your CV, provide interview advice and recommend recruitment agencies.
To access this service please get in touch at info@dansfundforburns.org or by phone on 07526 847699
100 + Club Form
If you would like to join the 100+ Club, please fill in the form below and send it to:
Rosemary Derby, Red Tiles, 4 Dagden Road, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 8DD
DFFB 100+ CLUB STANDING ORDER MANDATE
To the Manager: Bank plc
Address of your Bank:
Please pay to:
Barclays Bank plc
Guildford West Surrey Group of Branches, PO Box 317, Woking, Surrey, GU21 1WT
Account name: Dan’s Fund for Burns No.2 Account Sort code: 20-35-35
Account number: 00362735
The sum of (amount in words)
£ (amount in figures)
Starting on day of 20 and annually on 1st January thereafter until further notice.
Account name:
Sort code:
Account number:
Signed:
Date:
Address:
DFFB CONTACT DETAILS:
Dan’s Fund for Burns 64 Epsom Road, Guildford. GU1 3PB
Tel: 07526 847 699
Email: info@dansfundforburns.org
Website: dansfundforburns.org
Registered Charity No. 1098720
Donations
If you would like to donate to Dan’s Fund for Burns, please complete the form below and send to:
Dan’s Fund for Burns 64 Epsom Road, Guildford. GU1 3PB
If you are a UK Taxpayer, please complete the Gift Aid Form which grants the charity a further 25p on every £1 you donate.
THANK YOU.
To: Dan’s Fund for Burns 64 Epsom Road, Guildford. GU1 3PB
Tel: 07526 847 699
I enclose a donation in the amount of £ (please make cheques payable to Dan’s Fund for Burns)
Name: (please print)
Address: Postcode: GIFT AID FORM
I am a UK Taxpayer.
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You must pay an amount of UK income tax or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the amount we claim from the Inland Revenue.
Cheques from a joint account must be signed by the taxpayer.
You may cancel this Declaration at any time.
Please notify DFFB, If you cease to be a UK taxpayer or if you change your name or address.
Donations can also be made by Bank Transfer directly to our account:
Account name: Dans Fund For Burns Sort Code: 20-35-35 Account Number: 30560332
Legacy Giving
Have you considered leaving a legacy to Dan’s Fund For Burns in your will?
Legacy giving is a planned donation that designates a part of an individual’s estate to a chosen charity. By remembering Dan’s Fund in your will, your gift would enable us to continue our valuable work in the aftercare world of burns helping burn survivors rebuild their lives, often after life changing injuries and allows you to create a lasting legacy.
We understand that writing or updating your will is a particularly personal decision, and know that taking care of family, friends and loved ones come first. However, legacy giving can be part of sensible inheritance tax planning for your loved ones so to consider leaving a legacy to Dan’s Fund would not only benefit burn survivors long after your passing, it could make sense when writing a will.
Further information about Legacy Giving can be found at www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/leaving-gifts-to-charity-in-your-will
In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that we remember the lives of Joanne and Harley, two burn survivors who battled hard in their recovery but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries in 2025. Dan’s Fund For Burns were able to support both these burn survivors and their families at different stages of their burn journey.
They are greatly missed by their families and friends. We also are sad to hear of the passing of Bill Cowden and grateful for donations received in from Joanne’s and Bill’s funeral this year and would like to take this opportunity to thank all those over the years who have chosen to support Dan’s Fund For Burns at this, the most difficult of times.
Rest In Peace
Joanne Harley Bill
“The burns weekend was best thing I've ever done in my life and it's helped change my mind on the future as I've always been so negative about myself and thought I'm not good enough anymore.”
Joanne sharing how positive she felt after attending the Dan’s Fund burn survivor weekend in Newcastle in 2024.
"The Healthtalk burns resource is an online platform where individuals affected by burns have shared their personal experiences. It features over 180 video clips, showcasing real-life stories of people who have been affected by burn injuries. In creating this website, researchers
Financials Trustee Focus
GRANTS MADE BY DFFB
CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
COST OF GENERATING FUNDS
Dan’s Fund has raised £3.4m to end of 31st March 2025 and donated £1.8m to burns causes over 22 years.
Running costs of £653k, 20% of funds raised and fundraising costs come in at £425k over the same period.
Greg Williams is a Plastic Surgeon who was the Clinic Lead for London’s Burn Centre at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital until he left the NHS in 2012. He was also the Clinical Director of the London and South East England Burns Network for many years.
During his time as a burns consultant, he co-authored UK national documents at the time for Burn Major Incidents, Burn Advice to National Trauma Networks and Thresholds for Admission to Burn Services.
When Greg became a consultant, he prioritised addressing the need for a recognised role for burn psychology in the UK and when it became clear that funding would not be available from the NHS, he asked Polly in 2006 to fund a three-year Clinical Psychologist role.
At the time, this was the largest single donation DFFB had ever made to a project. The overwhelming success of the appointment of Lisa Williams at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital led to the establishment of burns psychology departments at all burn centres and units in the UK.
Greg also asked Polly to lead an in-person support group he wanted to start in London, supported by
A fun fact about Greg Greg was born and raised in Jamaica.
Lisa. Polly attended and supported other burn survivors for many years. The London Area Burns Adult Support Group remains active almost 20 years later with meetings 4 times a year, led by Lisa Williams.
Given their friendship and joint dedication to supporting burn survivors, Polly asked Greg to be the Medical Trustee for the charity in 2010.
He is currently the Vice Chair of DFFB’s Board of Trustees. From treating patients with burns to their scalp who needed hair restoration, Greg now works as a hair transplant surgeon in the private sector combining his skills and knowledge of scarring and hair transplantation.
We are grateful for all the time that Greg gives in advising on all the clinical matters that the charity deals with.
MrGregWilliams MedicalTrustee
How to donate
We depend on donations to carry on doing the work we do.
There are many ways to donate to Dan’s Fund For Burns, from one-off donations to monthly, quarterly or annual donations via credit card, bank transfer, paypal and more.
Please visit our website at dansfundforburns.org, click on the donate button and choose the option that suits you best.
If you’d like to support us through fundraising, please get in touch to discuss any fundraising ideas you may have.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
