After being injured during the Falklands Conflict, I had my family and friends - as well as the camaraderie of the Welsh Guards - to see me through the prolonged and painful recovery process.

I endured years of reconstructive surgery but the scars of disfigurement lie much deeper and the psychological process of adjusting to my appearance has taken a very long time. I share the Healing Foundation's vision. This charity is unique - a new, national body focused on research; spanning the boundaries of basic science, clinical care, the important area of psychosocial issues and information. We have the potential here for vastly improving the clinical outlook for patients. I urge you to support us.