Wow, what an incredible 12 months we have had, with a whirlwind of activity both personally and professionally.
Looking back through the photos when working on the newsletter, I was astounded by how much we have achieved for such a small charity in a year.
Many people don’t believe us when we tell them that it is run by just two part time staff, Jennifer and myself and eight wonderful Trustees who donate their time. We do of course get a lot of help from the likes of A Studio of Our Own who help produce this newsletter and Lucid who are helping with the Ball program, Katherine Yousefi on a more ad hoc project basis and a special mention to Jen Dorricott for helping with the 20th Anniversary ball this year.
Thanks must go to you though, of course, our wonderful sponsors, donors and friends. For without your support, none of this would be possible.
Since our last newsletter, a jaw dropping amount was raised from 15 runners in the Royal Parks Half Marathon around the 20th anniversary of the bombing last year. There was a memorial service, a memorial rugby match, multiple tv appearances, the launch of the Discovery channel documentary and services around the world which marked the occasion appropriately. A very happy surprise for me, when my then boyfriend, Paul, popped the question shortly after all these events and I, of course said yes! Third time is the charm after all.
With our annual bridge drive and golf days successfully filled, the year was brought to a close with my 8th
trip to Dubai to support the dnata Bali Legends at the Emirates Airline Dubai 7s.
The charity this year has continued to grow and the day to day work load and donations out have increased dramatically. The cost of living crisis is definitely having an impact and many burn survivors are struggling even more financially and emotionally. We have helped many through our crisis donations and you will be able to read of some of their stories in this newsletter. We have been delighted to see some of the burns professionals from Nottingham and Chelsea & Westminster take on personal fundraising challenges as well, to help support
our work. You will see these and other fundraisers in the newsletter, with people running, swimming lakes and racing boats in aid of Dan’s Fund this past year.
Our weekly online chat continues to offer regular support and guidance to burn survivors and a further four burn survivor moderators were trained up in September this year. We thank our volunteer moderators for giving up their time to help keep this service running and a massive thanks to Jennifer Fitt for dedicating her Wednesday evenings to play her role as charity representative on these support chats. Our Befriender Peer Support Service has continued to see a steady flow of matches with some more successful than others and we were chosen to present to burns professionals at both the ISBI Scar Symposium and the British Burn Association annual conference in February and June this year.
The first half of the year was super busy personally; turning 50 and moving into our new home in Surrey with our four children and three cats in March. In May I was
lucky enough to marry the lovely Paul Bentley. Jennifer worked hard those first few months to help me keep the charity on track whilst I managed all these life changing activities and more recently we have been working together on this newsletter, the 2nd Burn Survivor Weekend away at Barnett Hill Hotel in Blackheath in early September, where we had over 40 burn survivors coming together. With the 20th anniversary celebratory ball planned for Saturday 7th October at The Hurlingham Club in London and the Dubai 7s at the beginning of December, there is lots to get our teeth into. Possibly one of our busiest years ever – but what better way to celebrate our 20th anniversary, as the charity officially turned 20 on the 23rd May 2023.
It leaves me now to wish you all a wonderful end of the year and all the best for the festive season ahead. We thank you once again for all your support, donations, friendship, advice and kindness. Without these, we would not be able to run and maintain our valuable services, support the NHS services and burn survivors.
Warmest wishes,
After months of organisation, we were finally able to bring together over 40 members of our burn community and several volunteers at our second ever adult burn survivor weekend. This was hosted in September at the fabulous Barnett Hill Hotel in Surrey. Long thwarted by COVID, our last burn survivor weekend was held in Oxford, back in 2019, so this was finally a chance for some of our burn survivors to come together in person. The plan was to give them a relaxing weekend away in celebration of Dan’s Fund 20th anniversary. In addition, a chance to make new connections and friendships, learn about burn and skin treatments, enjoy a specialist scar therapy massage and share their burn stories in a relaxed, non-judgemental and welcoming environment.
There was some trepidation ahead of the weekend, but apprehensions soon faded away with everyone welcoming each other warmly at the Friday night buffet dinner. Friendships were soon made as the relaxed and informal fun quiz, run by Quiz Coconuts, helped cement the atmosphere for the weekend ahead. Everyone went to bed with smiles on their faces.
For many this was their first chance to meet other people with injuries and experiences similar to theirs.
Despite an early start, the yoga session was well attended and we were lucky to be able to hold the class outside in the glorious sunshine. Thanks to Katherine from Yousefi yoga for teaching a class for all levels. A perfect zen start to the day, followed by a tasty breakfast.
The morning was filled with talks on careers advice from our Trustee recruitment specialist, Lisa MacLaren and a presentation from Dawn Forshaw, Finishing Touches Group, on Microneedling and Micropigmentation on burned skin. Then the most inspirational and brave hour and a half open microphone session took place, with burn survivors sharing their stories with each other in a safe, private and non-judgemental environment. Inspired by others, some who had not felt they could previously share their stories were then able to do so. Without a doubt the most powerful part of the weekend.
Specialist one hour scar massages were scheduled before and after the morning session for each burn survivor. Emma Holly from Restore Scar Therapy rallied a team of six volunteer masseuses (including herself) to come and help us and worked so hard during the day to make sure everyone enjoyed and benefitted from their massage. Many noticed a significant feeling of reduced tightness from their scars. A big shout out to Andy from Physiquipe who sponsored the Restore ladies accommodation for the weekend.
Lunch and a guided tour of Guildford in the afternoon preceded a three course meal and Disco. After the dancefloor was full, smiles and laughter filled the hotel. Such was the special atmosphere of inclusion that no one wanted to go to bed!
The weekend came to a close on Sunday morning with a final gathering and closing stories, exchanging numbers and contact details. New friends made and journeys home ahead, but a general sense of optimism and joy. Polly and her team asked the burn survivors, their families and the volunteers to fill out independent evaluation questionnaires. These were devised by UWE Centre of Appearance research team to allow us to gather information on the event as to how we can improve the event moving forward. For sure, everyone would like another one next year! So we’d better carry on fundraising!
Thanks to Polly, Jennifer, Katherine, Martin, Sheila and Jen for all their help.
Restore Therapy have opportunities for people to book a FREE scar therapy appointment with therapists completing their training courses. With the Restore Therapy pledge to make scar therapy accessible we have already given 2,000 free scar treatments since launch. Book in directly to an available slot on the website or sign up for email notifications of new appointments.
https://restoretherapy.co.uk/access-scar-treatment/
Emma, whose husband sustained a burn injury last year describes this very challenging time and how Dan’s Fund was able to provide support to their family.
In October 2022, my husband was badly burnt at a wedding — overnight our lives were turned upside down. He was airlifted to Bristol Southmead Hospital and had 12 percent superficial burns. It was a freak accident which could have been much worse if the wedding team hadn’t kept the steady flow of water on him like they did. It was the most frightening time for all of the family.
We have two young children who had been at the wedding an hour before their Daddy got burnt. Luckily, they did not see anything but did have the heartbreaking day afterwards when they heard Dad was going to be staying in hospital for up to four weeks (where no children were allowed to visit). Without a doubt they were the hardest few weeks of our lives.
Along with the children we had three shops, two of which we had to close overnight as I could not keep everything going on my own; we also have 43 beef animals to care for, which family helped with.
The Dan’s Fund For Burns charity was suggested to us by a friend and thank goodness I did get in touch as the support they gave us emotionally and financially was fantastic. They were so understanding and helpful — I knew nothing about burns up until this accident and I had to quickly learn to care for burns when my husband was discharged from hospital.
We are so grateful to this charity, without them I honestly don’t know what we would have done. The money they gave us helped with living costs while we couldn’t work and paid the rent for the shops we couldn’t open.
Mark is now doing really well, we are hoping he will be signed off from Southmead on our next visit. His burns overall healed very well but there are two areas that have needed much more medical attention. He managed to return to work full time 10 weeks after the accident which was remarkable!
EmmaFollowing his burn injury, a donation from Dan’s Fund helped this burn survivor get back to doing the job he loves…
My name is Paul and I have done hairdressing since leaving school, which was a long time ago! Before then, I even did it at weekends at a local hairdresser.
I had always been at the top of the game when it came to hairdressing. I trained at Vidal Sassoon school of excellence, had my own successful businesses, and relocated to Essex where I did some of the cast’s hair from “The Only Way Is Essex”. Hairdressing was my passion. It was the only industry I have known but I loved, lived, and breathed it. The awards on my wall said it all!
My world changed in May 2022, when I was involved in a chemical explosion which resulted in me receiving full thickness burns to my full right hand, thumb, and fingers. I had burns to the right-side of my face, ear, shoulder and back. At one stage, the hospital staff thought I may lose my thumb. However, with the excellent work from the Burns and Plastics team at Preston Royal Hospital, I had skin grafts, lots of occupational therapy and specialist care which resulted in my thumb being saved. I was at the beginning of my recovery journey.
When you think of burns you see the visual effect of the burns and believe me, the pain!! This is all part of the healing. For me it was also the mental healing. The thought of not being able to do hairdressing again really affected me — the positive was it gave me the will and strength to practise the physiotherapy and occupational health advice and exercises to help with my recovery. However, there were dark days, and I just couldn’t see how I would get to a position of being able to return to the industry I loved and lived for.
restricted. I really felt lost. None of my 50plus scissors would fit. I felt helpless and at times, useless. I was then told about the amazing work that Dan’s Fund For Burns do for burn survivors. I looked for myself on the website. Shortly after I contacted Jennifer at the charity. She was brilliant, she listened to me and understood, and I didn’t feel like I was moaning, she totally got me. She explained the support available and maybe they would be able to fund specialised scissors which would enable me to work. Dans Fund gave me hope.
I started to source specialist Hairdressing scissors, that would support my thumb and restricted movement. I managed to find them and source a price. Jennifer told me how to make a funding request to Dans Fund For Burns, which with support I did. My application was successful. I now have the scissors which I can use and I have just completed my first haircut with them.
Honestly, it felt amazing to be able to achieve this. I thought this would be impossible, but with the help and support from Dan’s Fund, my impossible has become the possible! I’m not where I was prior to my burn injury — I get exhausted and I’m still in pain, but I truly believe the hope that Dans Fund For Burns has given me, will mean I can return to the hair industry that I’m so passionate about. I can’t thank the charity enough!
Paul
I would very much like to thank Dan’s Fund For Burns for helping my parents after their bungalow in Ongar burnt down on 15th June 2023. The contribution from Dan’s Fund was of great help as they try to rebuild their new lives after the fire.
My mum is OK after being pulled through the window but my dad received burns to his head and both arms. He is recovering now thankfully, but he has said the pain from the burns is extreme.
I am, with the help of my cousin Brian, who has volunteered his help out of the goodness of his heart to assist me, rebuilding the property. Unfortunately, they were not insured so lost a lot. I am hoping to get my parents back to their bungalow by Christmas — well that’s the aim, and that is giving my parents a lot of hope for the future.
They are both in their 90’s. Thank you Jennifer for your assistance, and Dan’s Fund for the donation, it was greatly appreciated.
Jane
Thank you all SO much for this donation, it means the world and has certainly eased my financial concerns.
I am incredibly touched that you are able to help me like this, after what’s been a tough and very expensive time, it’s such a relief to hear this. I will be eternally grateful for this generosity from your charity and those who’ve donated to make it possible.
It’s so kind of you all.
Adam
Polly talks about the events which took place to mark 20 years since the Bali Bombing.
With the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombing looming for some time, it was a relief to have it finally arrive.
It had been difficult to decide how to mark the event, with previous milestones spent in Hong Kong, where Dan and I had had our lives together. Covid put paid to this of course and instead we were lucky to have an event on the 12th October by the Bali Memorial in St James’s, organised & hosted by the Foreign Office with Senior Australian, British and Indonesian consorts in attendance. After tea for family and friends with the Foreign Office, a more informal and relaxed party was held at the In and Out Club. Kindly organised by Jocelyn Waller, who sadly lost his son Ed in the bombing, many friends and families of our HKFC group gathered together. A memorial rugby match was also held at The Old Cranleighans rugby Club in Surrey, against the HKFC Exciles in memory of the 20th anniversary and I was lucky enough to be able to watch it with Paul and Lawrence.
Just prior to the anniversary itself, the Discovery channel documentary “The Real Death in Paradise”, featuring
my Mum, myself, the investigating officer and others in the Bali episode was due to be shown on Discovery + and Quest Red channels. I was invited to join Phil and Holly on This Morning, in early October, to talk about my experiences in Bali and my recovery. They were very kind whilst on air and I was amused how the internet picked up on Holly rolling her eyes when Phil rudely interrupted her when she was sympathising with me (I didn’t notice this to be honest!). This seemed to fuel general rumours that all was not well between them. Who knew I’d become part of a viral clip! The kids were so embarrassed.
Around the same time, “Bali 2002”, the four part miniseries drama about the Bali bombing, featuring Claudia Jessie (Eloise from Netflix’s Bridgerton) as me, launched in Australia. There were other major actors involved with Richard Roxburgh playing Graham Ashton, the leading investigator and Rachel Griffiths playing Prof. Fiona Wood, the burn surgeon. She used ground breaking spray on skin cells, cultivated by the Bali burn patients own healthy skin cells. Whilst far away, my Instagram account
had a sudden surge in followers from Australia and some lovely messages of support. The series then launched in the UK around my 50th birthday in March and I was delighted to meet Claudia Jessie in person when we were invited onto “The One Show” to promote the launch of the series on ITVX. You can still watch the series should you wish to as it’s available on ITVX on-demand service.
There were lots of other media requests and I hand picked one or two to do but was astounded to see those I turned down made stuff up anyway — mostly inaccurate!!
With the weight of the impending 20th anniversary off our shoulders, I was super surprised and amazed that Paul pulled off a massive surprise, by popping the question four days later when on a walk up to our favourite bench up on Chinthurst Hill. Even better he had arranged a small engagement party for our return! I had no clue he was going to ask. Luckily, I said yes and what a wonderful way to lift all our spirits.
As one chapter ends, a new one begins…
We are pleased to have made a number of successful befriender/befriendee matches throughout the past year.
The DFFB Adult Befriender Peer Support Service is a non-judgemental, one-to-one adult burns peer support service available to any adult burn survivor in the UK who may be struggling at any point in their recovery. Meetings take place via Zoom, MSTeams or can be a phone call if necessary.
Our befrienders are all volunteer burn survivors who have attended the DFFB Befriender training workshop developed in collaboration with the Psychological Therapies team at Broomfield Hospital. The workshop covers boundaries, confidentiality and communication skills amongst other things and ensures befrienders are equipped to offer support and guidance through their own lived experience of a burn injury.
Feedback from those who have used the service, has been very positive with many of our ‘matches’ feeling like they have made lifelong friends! If you’re a burn survivor or you know a burn survivor that may benefit from speaking with another burn survivor who understands and ‘gets it’, please contact us at info@dansfundforburns.org or call 07526 847699 to find out more about our adult burns befriender peer support.
Our weekly online burn support live chat continues to thrive as it provides a private space for those affected by burns, to come online and share experiences, ask questions, connect and support each other in real time.
In September 2023, we held a volunteer Moderator Training Workshop and added four new moderators. Our moderators are all trained burn survivors so that every week there is a burn survivor and a charity representative who facilitate the live chat. We have been able to continue to provide and maintain this support option thanks to the generous annual donation from The Company of Actuaries Charitable Trust – the charitable arm of the Worshipful Company of Actuaries based in the City of London.
Participants in the chat range from newly burned survivors to those who have lived with their burn injury for many years and may be struggling, feeling isolated or just want to connect with other burn survivors. We also have family or friends of burn survivors who join us from time to time.
The live chat takes place on the ABSUK website, www.adultburnsupportuk.org,
every Wednesday evening, 7.30-9.00pm and on the first Wednesday of each month, the chat is online 7.30-8.15pm followed by a Zoom social from 8.15-9.00pm.
I was so lucky to be introduced to the avenue of reaching out to Dan’s Fund and joining the online, weekly chat forum as I had literally no idea the Charity existed, nor had the wherewithal at that time to explore any possible emotional help and support.
It is such a safe haven for us (me certainly) to be part of and such a comfort to know that one of the team (moderator or charity representative) will offer non-judgemental advice, or even just listen and empathise if there’s nothing really one can say!
I am continually grateful to be able to share experiences with others facing similar physical issues and emotions and comforted to realise I am not alone in my situation. My circumstances are obviously different to others, but we all face ‘challenges’, just on different levels, and it really
does help to ‘share’ and receive positive suggestions to encourage me to move forward.
I, therefore, cannot recommend highly enough joining in the weekly burn support live chats and I shall continue to reach out, appreciating their great value to me!
Thank you, enormously, to all of you at Dan’s Fund, for your never-ending patience, guidance and friendship! You are all, quite simply, FAB!
Burn survivor who has been joining the weekly online burn support live chat since late 2022.
A burn survivor shares his story of how joining the weekly Adult Burn Support UK online live chat was a big first step.
When I was two years old, I decided it would be a good idea to pull on the kettle cable. It wasn’t a good idea. I burned the inside of my arm, my foot and needed a skin graft on my thigh. It could have been a lot worse, but it was bad enough to make me feel different. My scars are easily hidden in everyday situations, and I learned to hide them well. I learned to hide full stop.
Since my mum was looking after me at the time, she naturally, but needlessly, blamed herself. Accidents happen and life can quickly show that you’re never really ‘in charge’.
This issue was very rarely mentioned for fear of upsetting my mum due to how guilty she felt. I picked up on that, so I never talked about the impact it had on me to protect her. I mean that literally... I never talked about how this made me feel until I found the Adult Burn Support UK live chat. My best friends didn’t even know about this at all.
How I came to realise I needed support is a long story. I suppose I was always destined to be a shy and sensitive wee boy and what happened to me made that much worse. I was so self-conscious. I thought about my scars virtually every day until I was 18 or so when going to university and realising girls didn’t mind made me more confident. The scars had become less noticeable too. After a long time of never thinking about it, little things in the last five/six years made me realise just how big an impact it had on my life.
Such as, being asked why I can’t swim or don’t have more pictures of myself... seeing a torture scene in a film... a tiny graze on my foot taking ages to heal. These things and more brought back memories I had long supressed. The lockdowns gave my mind time to wander which didn’t help.
I was slowly realising all the things I had allowed this accident to stop me doing. Meanwhile, the terrible life
lessons that I used to cope as a kid culminated early this year when keeping things to myself, my fear of letting people close and my poor relationship with my mum came together.
I knew what the underlying cause was and I was finally ready to admit it. My instinct was to speak to other people who have been through similar. That instinct was quickly proved correct.
Initially, I did feel like a bit of a fraud because everyone else had been through much worse. That soon passed though when the understanding and empathy shone through. It was so safe and non-judgemental. I will forever be grateful for the kindness and compassion which led to me being confident enough to tell my friends and then my family.
That was hellish. I knew how much it would hurt my mum to know how much it affected me. However, by then I had worked out that she was more traumatised than me and never talking about it had affected her too. Quickly it was just a relief to start letting it all go. We finally understand each other better now and the barrier that was between us is gone. That alone makes it all worthwhile.
This has been far from easy, but I am already more comfortable with difficult conversations and feel more at peace. Maybe in time I can support others in a small way. Without the live chat, things would have turned out differently for me and I’m grateful I found it.
John
The group continues to meet roughly four times a year in the middle of September, December, March and then late June or early July.
It is open to anyone over the age of 16 who has experienced a burn of any sort and family and friends are welcome.
Meetings take the form of group discussions, guest speakers and/or taking part in social events.
For exact dates and details or to join the mailing list, contact Lisa Williams on 020 3315 2504 or by email lmwilliams@nhs.net or visit the website Burns support groups — Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (chelwest.nhs.uk)
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 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.
Dan’s Fund For Burns was invited to speak at Queen Victoria Hospital’s (QVH) Burn Support Group Activity day in July this year. It was great to have the opportunity to raise awareness of the charity and tell all those who attended a bit about the good work DFFB do for adult burn survivors. Some of the burn survivors who attended the day had received financial support from DFFB following their injury, so it was great to be able to put faces to names.
Tania and Rowena, two of the burns nurses at QVH, restarted the burn support group in 2015. The group meets three times a year usually at the hospital and the meetings take the form of an activity and sometimes there is a burn related guest speaker.
In the past, activities have included a chocolate making session, pizza making at pizza express, felting easter eggs, Christmas cards, bunting and more recently planting of containers for QVH’s burns ward garden. However, the most popular activity has been the Wellbeing days with mini treatments ranging from reiki, Indian head massage, neck and back massage, reflexology, hand massage and nail painting being offered to all burn survivors who attend.
The sessions are free to attend and take place during the day. All who attend are offered a fish and chip lunch which has been very popular!
The group is open to anyone over the age of 16 who has experienced a burn injury or is a relative of someone who has experienced a burn of any type and size, at any age, treated at any hospital.
Information about the Queen Victoria Burn Support Group can be found by visiting the QVH website and searching ‘burn support group’ or you can email qvh.burnsupportgroup@nhs.net or call 01342 414440
Dans Fund For Burns have provided funding to hold a weekend break for 18-25 year old burn survivors every 12-18 months for more than a decade. The Weekends normally run from Friday to Monday and are attended by between 20-30 young people. It has been held in various locations including Edinburgh, Manchester, Derbyshire, Kent, Essex, The New Forest, Wales and Brighton, with attendees coming from all over the UK.
Each weekend is different — some have included outdoor activities such as climbing, 4x4 driving, zipwires and self-defence, others have had a more cultural focus with trips or city visits to Edinburgh castle, London and Brighton. Some have featured guest speakers or workshops facilitated by psychological therapists, and some have had a mixture of everything, even Alpaca walking!
However, one thing they all do is bring together groups of young adult burn survivors, who can share their experiences to help each other. Some young adults may know others attending from previous weekends or if they attended clubs or camps as children. Others
may be attending their first burn-related event or have been more recently injured and the weekend is the first time they have met others who have experienced a burn injury.
As much as the weekends have been enjoyable and perhaps a ‘break from everyday life’, the biggest theme in feedback is that mutual support and connection with others really helps them when going back to the real world and families, college, university or work.
Another YABA weekend is being planned for late 2023 or sometime in 2024. If you would like further information or to register your interest or to suggest a theme or activity for a future weekend please email martin.palmer@nhs.net
Martin Palmer Children’s Burns Club Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford.In my role as Case Manager for the Burns Unit at St Andrew’s Centre of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Dan’s Fund for over ten years.
Over this time, I have witnessed the value of charitable help and support during times of trauma and the impact it can have on the wellbeing of both our patients and their relatives. Our unit cares for patients from all over the country; they are often distressed being isolated from their loved ones and there is sometimes financial stress for those who are striving to make long distance visits as often as they can. Caring for these patients, we see the important role family and friends play in progress towards recovery. With their kind support, Dan’s Fund have made it possible for so many patients and family to come together and I know how grateful they have all been.
It should be acknowledged that Dan’s Fund not only offers invaluable support to patients and relatives, a significant aspect of my role is to assist the patient through the, often difficult, transition from hospital to home. Often the trauma leading to admission will have resulted in loss: Sometimes essential items of furniture, maybe clothes and sometimes even their home. Many times, following my simple request, Dan’s Fund have been there, helping people to begin to rebuild their lives. Many who have gone on to do just this, stay in touch
with our unit and continue to voice their gratitude to Dan’s Fund and the valuable part they played in their journey to recovery.
Kate Davis Burns Case ManagerOn 2nd September 2023, five members of the Chelsea and Westminster Burns team intended to complete the Three Peak Challenge to raise money for Dan’s Fund. We have seen first-hand how burns can change lives forever. Dan’s Fund has supported our patients through their journey. We have seen it first-hand go to the little things most of us would forget about. They have helped patients buy new clothing when they have lost everything in a fire. Their funds have kept family members close by so they could visit more often which has made a huge difference in their recovery.
Unfortunately, we were unable to complete the three peaks as the company we were doing it with cancelled on us the day before — a disaster when we were already in Scotland on a train strike weekend. However, the resistant nurses we are, completed Ben Nevis and still managed to raise money!
We aim to do an annual burns team challenge for Dan’s Fund to keep this amazing resource going.
Thank you,
Zoe Smith Ward ManagerIn 2022, a group of doctors and nurses from the Burns Unit at Nottingham City Hospital formed a social running group affectionately called the ‘Plod Squad’. We ran a Half Marathon at Sherwood Pines that year and had a fantastic day. This year, we decided to run again, recruiting more runners and fundraising for the fantastic Dan’s Fund for Burns.
We have huge admiration for the important work they do helping people to live well with the lasting effects of a burn injury, and we are forever grateful for the myriad of ways they’ve supported our patients over the years.
On 19th March 2023, Kathy, Olly, Cat and Jocelyn all ran the Half Marathon distance, and Olivia, Tinaz, Craig, Coralise and Owen ran the 10km. Hollie and Sarah valiantly walked the 10km, as both were suffering from
injuries. Everyone was pleased with their times, but most of all we were thrilled with the £2,235 we raised for Dan’s Fund!
The generosity of our sponsors is so appreciated and we’re sure it’ll make a big difference to the support Dan’s Fund are able to offer burns survivors.
Our colleagues and families braved the cold to cheer us on around the (very hilly!) course, and those staffing the ward in our absence tracked our progress remotely. Afterwards, we celebrated with a huge picnic of delicious cakes in the beautiful Forest.
Jocelyn Deputy Sister, Burn Unit
We were delighted to return to Sunningdale Heath Golf Club for our annual Spring Ladies competition on May 12th 2023.
We were lucky to field 18 teams from 16 different clubs out on the course and we enjoyed all four seasons in one round!
Polly golfing proudly in her Dan’s Fund t-shirt
Congratulations to the winners “Off the Tee” from Worplesdon Golf Club, “Worplesdon Wallies for 2nd place and well done to the “Trophy Wives” from Woking in 3rd and the “Tyrrell Tots” in 4th place. The winner as always was the golf and Dans Fund, as vital funds were raised for helping burn survivors.
A thank you to Sunningdale Heath Staff and all those who came and played.
A particular thank you has to go to my Mum, Rosemary, who tirelessly organises these golf days and bridge days throughout the year and all her trusted helpers who run them like clockwork.
Huge support from the golfing ladies!
Please note we are hosting our Sunningdale Heath Golf Ladies Texas Scramble on Friday 17th May 2024 and our bi-annual mixed Dan’s Fund Woking Golf Day on Friday 28th June 2024 in Surrey.
We have also been chosen to be the 2024 Charity of the Year for Lamberhurst Golf Club in Kent by incoming Captain, John Seale, a former HKFC rugby friend. Thanks so much John for your support!
It was a packed Shalford Village Hall on Friday 14th October last year when 21 tables of bridge players turned up to try their luck with the cards and enjoy the most marvellous homemade teas. The afternoon tea spread is definitely the draw and we cannot thank the ladies who each year bake up a storm to provide these teas as their donation to the fund.
Along with the raffle after Polly’s update on the charity, it is a lovely local fundraiser and we are grateful to all our
A fun afternoon of cards!
regular bridge players, who each year invite new friends to come and join the fun.
Thanks as ever to Mum and her team of helpers: Mike & Val Band, Jane Hoy, Joy Huston, Sally Maddison, Hilary Leigh, Vivian Sale & Sheila Owen Smith.
The next date for the diary is 13th October 2023
Herbert Smith Freehills
The Company of Actuaries
Charitable Trust
Moor Instruments Ltd
The Evelyn Trust
The Broughtons
Patrick Mannix
Thomas & Ros Van Every
Paul Bentley
Binns Fencing Ltd
Dnata
Karen Ellam
Hamish Buchanan
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
Physiquipe
Within a world of rising costs, it was with thanks to our sponsors, dnata, Herbert Smith Freehills, SilberArrows, Binns Fencing Ltd, The Gorgeous Flower Co., Return on Investment, IT Document Solutions, Engie, Massey Property Services that we were once again able to take the Bali Legends to the International Vets tournament at the 2022 Dubai 7s last December.
COVID lingered on too causing problems with supply issues from China into Dubai and left us chasing around warehouses to get hold of our Bali Legends kit at the last minute.
So, with kit finally in hand, we had some really tough pool games which saw some proper gnarly battles and left the
Bali Legends with some nasty injuries in the first couple of games. Unfortunately, this was our undoing later on in the Semi-Finals when the match was pushed into extra time after a last minute try from the HGB Legends, who then went on to win the cup.
Personally, I think we won the best dressed team, so 2023 will just have to be our year and we are working hard to make this happen!
A special thanks to Trefor and Paul who manage the Bali Legends and to the team for putting their bodies on the line in this extremely tough competition and of course thanks again to dnata and the rest of our sponsors for allowing us to compete once again.
Rich Truscott & Paul Barham of RP Racing have been racing their Ocke Mannerfelt designed V24 boat in aid of Dan’s Fund this season, kicking off with the Poole Bay 100 race in early May and ending it at Cowes at the end of August.
Troubled by an intermittent sensor fault, the boys races were thwarted this season but usually when leading from the front, so very close to the ultimate win! Rich’s support of Dan’s Fund comes from close to his heart, as the boyfriend of our Trustee and burn survivor, Jen Dorricott.
I am sure you will agree the boat looks resplendent with the Dan’s Fund stickers alongside their sponsors. Good luck for next season boys.
On 19th August Lisa MacLaren, one of our trustees, attempted the Lake Windermere One Way swim (the ‘WOW’).
As the longest lake in the UK, the 17km swim from Fell Foot to Brathay Hall is a real challenge. Despite poor weather Lisa was making good progress supported by her paddler Caitlin Fox.
Unfortunately at 9.1km, having swum for three hours and 40 mins and over half way into the swim, the organisers cancelled the event due to strong winds and dangerous conditions. After months of training this was disappointing for her, but safety was the priority.
To ensure she completed the distance, Lisa swam the remaining 8km in the pool two days later. Thank you to everyone who sponsored Lisa and look out for her next swim for Dan’s Fund in 2024.
Last year we went to print just before our 15 runners took on the Royal Parks Half Marathon just three days after the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombing. Despite being fewer in numbers, we were unaware at that point just how successful a fundraising day it would turn out to be.
Not only that but despite not making the winners rostrum this year, Karima and all the others posted super successful race times with some really great PBs! Congratulations to all the runners and thanks to those who came to wave flags and cheer them on.
More incredulously, between just the 15 runners they raised a massive £23,000. Outstanding effort and we thank all the runners who took part for their efforts not only with their training but also with their fundraising. 2023 will see a reduced eight run the race for us as the race falls on Sunday 8th October, the day after the 20th Anniversary celebratory ball being held at The Hurlingham Club.
Two brave runners are doing both the Ball and the Half Marathon the next morning – that’s dedication to the cause! Good luck to all our runners this year and apologies that we won’t be out flag waving on the course from 7am like usual!
Lev Bukhman celebrates — this year doing the Ball and run double!
Not many will know this, but Dan’s Fund was officially launched at the London Memorial for Dan at St-Martinsin-the-Fields near to Trafalgar Square in January 2003.
I stood up in front of 800 people and announced my intention to raise money in his memory and was subsequently blown away with the generosity from family and friends and the desire to go and raise money.
I had given the Mail on Sunday an exclusive interview the weekend before, and just prior to the interview I realised the charity needed a website. Back in 2003 the internet was in its infancy, so I turned to my brother who was good at IT (he’s been our IT Director for the past 20 years bless him!) to see if he could build me a quick holding page for the publication of the article - which he duly did.
Soon we realised we needed to set up the charity officially and turned to Herbert Smith, Dan’s law firm for help. With their specialist knowledge, we were able to set up the charity quickly with the Charity Commission formally declaring our Trust on the 23rd May, four months later.
The past 20 years has seen huge growth in the charity with a massive thanks to Joy Huston for
working for the charity for so many years before retiring in 2018. It is now run with just two of us part time, Jennifer and I, with Katherine Yousefi helping on an ad hoc basis. It has been, at times, a challenge to keep it going but with sensible management and conservative spending the charity has been able to build a solid position, to enable us to support the burn community that so needs and deserves our help.
It is such a busy year this year but we decided it would be remiss not to celebrate this remarkable achievement and along side organising a burn survivor weekend in September, we rolled up our sleeves and got organising a now sold out celebratory evening at The Hurlingham Club in Fulham on Saturday 7th October. We hope all those coming on the night have a great time and thank you to all the sponsors, prize contributors and other
companies that have stepped in to help us. We are hoping to have this newsletter printed in time for the event, if we manage to pull it all off!
All involved with Dan’s Fund are super proud of what we have achieved so far and hopeful for how we can continue to grow and achieve more, moving forward. Thanks as ever to all our supporters who have underpinned and helped us
along the way. We have been fortunate enough to be guided by many NHS burns professionals too, to ensure we spend our money in the most effective way possible and we are in safe hands with Dr Greg Williams (FRCS Plast) as our Deputy Chair on our board of Trustees and Mr Baljit Dhensa, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at East Grinstead and Prof. Fiona Wood (AM FAHMS), inventor of the spray-on-skin technique, as our Patrons.
Thanks to Joy Huston and to Sandra and David Hill, in loving memory of their sons Jason and Stuart Hill.
The International Society of Burn Injuries Scars A-Z, Birmingham 2023 and British Burn Association
Annual Conference, Dublin 2023.
A huge thank you to Peter Jady, Rodney Gush and Julie Richardson from Moor Instruments Ltd for sharing their stands and sponsoring our attendance!
We were excited to be invited to speak about both our Befriender Peer Support and our weekly online burn support live chat at the International Society For Burn Injuries (ISBI) Scars A-Z Symposium in Birmingham, in February this year.
As Polly was in the midst of trying to move house, Jennifer was tasked with her first live presentation. She was joined on the day by Lynn, a burn survivor based in the Midlands, who has benefitted from both the befriender peer support service and our weekly online burn support live chat during her recovery. The presentation was impactful and really well-received. Congratulations to Jennifer and Lynn.
Later on in June, Dan’s Fund was also chosen to give an Oral Presentation about our Befriender Peer Support Service at the British Burn Association (BBA) Conference in Ireland.
With Dublin as the draw, there was a record attendance and it was an extremely busy and worthwhile conference. Dan’s Fund were delighted to be hosted by Julie
many of their patients. It is heartwarming to know that the charity is well valued and respected in the world of burns.
As part of our presentation we invited two of our Befriender/Befriendee matches to join us in Dublin to present their experience. Unfortunately, one of them, Ian, was unable to join us due to ill health at the last minute, but Mark flew out and bravely spoke alongside me.
It was a powerful and emotional presentation to advertise the one-to-one burn survivor support service to the burn services.
It has been great to have two big stages this year to raise awareness about Dan’s Fund and the adult peer support options we offer.
With BASC (The British Association of Skin Camouflage) closing its doors in late 2022, Dan’s Fund was tasked with finding some alternative options to train up burns professionals in skin camouflage product application and find a shorter, refresher type course for those already BASC trained.
As part of our research, Polly our CEO and Amy Davey from the Prosethics team at Southmead Hospital, Bristol discovered Kryolan Ltd. They attended the one day workshop at Kryolan Ltd in Covent Garden. Polly offered to be the burn scar volunteer for the day alongside
new to skin camouflage and so we reached out to Dawn Forshaw at The Finishing Touches Group to see whether they would be interested in building a hybrid course to include the practical elements but also to include more on colour science, skin conditions (and some clinical skills) and some discussion on the candidates protecting themselves legally (such as registration/regulation).
This new course we are hoping will be finalised shortly and Dan’s Fund will be offering to fund burns professionals to attend either the Kryolan course as a
"The new 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 conducted in-depth interviews about people’s experience of living with a burn.
Free of Charge: It’s entirely free for users, making it accessible to anyone seeking information and support related to burns, all that’s required is an internet connection.
No Account Required: It does not require users to create an account. It allows instant access to its contents.
Shareable Resource: You can share the resource with anyone you think would benefit from viewing it."
Restore Therapy have opportunities for people to book a FREE scar therapy appointment with therapists completing their training courses. With the Restore Therapy pledge to make scar therapy accessible we have already given 2,000 free scar treatments since launch. Book in directly to an available slot on the website or sign up for email notifications of new appointments.
restoretherapy.co.uk
We are pleased to announce the appointment of our latest Trustee. Paul Bentley, Polly’s new husband, has taken on the role. Paul offered to join the team after seeing first hand how we are able to help burn survivors, whilst sitting working next to Polly through covid.
Paul is a Wealth Director at RBC Brewin Dolphin and brings fresh enthusiasm and financial acumen to the board.
We are delighted to have him join us!
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:
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
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
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.
Date:
Signature:
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.
If you cease to be a UK taxpayer, please notify DFFB.
Please also notify DFFB if you change your name or address.
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
Would you like to have a flutter as well as supporting the work of DFFB?
There is a draw each month with 4 prizes up for grabs. Each “go” or share each month has a chance of winning!
Each go/share costs £1 every month or £12 per year
You can have as many shares each month as you like, paying in multiples of £12
Just fill out the form on page 32 to join!
YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT, TO WIN IT!
Wishing you the best for 2024 from Dan’s Fund for Burns
If you’d like to support us through fundraising, please get in touch to discuss any fundraising ideas you may have.
