“At the age of 18 months I suffered burns to 35% of my body when a candle caught onto my pyjamas. The scarring spreads from the left side of my head, down my left arm, across my chest and onto my thighs.

I feel blessed to have had an amazing family and a wonderful group of friends who have supported me emotionally throughout my treatment. As a child, my parents never treated me any differently to my siblings and so I have a distinct memory of having a childhood full of happiness and a sense belonging.

Over the years I have seen the developments of modern medicine and benefited from the advances in reconstructive surgery. Had it not been for these I know I would not be here today. My treatments have included getting a prosthetic ear, breast reconstruction, skin grafts and scar releases.

It is very rare for a burns survivor to have as positive an outlook on life as I do. There are thousands of others who have both physical and psychological scars that will be with them forever. By supporting the Healing Foundation we can help these people by improving treatments and having a better understanding of the consequences of burns.”