Welcome to The Scar Free Foundation

We’re the only medical research charity revolutionising the way scarring is prevented and treated – for everyone – within a generation.

Since 1999, we’ve enabled over £50 million in pioneering research into wound healing, scar treatment and prevention, mental health support, and awareness.

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Scars Are Permanent and Unavoidable.

Anyone can get a scar. Burns, blast injuries, and surgery for cancer – all can cause life-changing scars.

5 million people in the UK live with a life-changing scar, and all the physical and emotional problems that come with them. Scars can affect how you move, how you look, and how you feel about yourself.

Behind Every Scar There’s a Story.

Painful and debilitating, living with scars can mean years of physiotherapy, creams, injections, and surgeries. Learn more about the impact of scarring.

About Scarring

Dr Beck Richardson stands holding a small glass tank of zebrafish, looking at them through the top of the tank.

Research Can Stop Scarring.

For now, scars are permanent and unavoidable. But they don’t have to be. At The Scar Free Foundation, we’re working to revolutionise the way we prevent and treat scarring – for everyone.

By funding the right research and backing the brightest minds, we’re accelerating breakthroughs to improve the lives of people with scarring, now and in the future.

With your help, we can deliver new treatments to people who need them, faster. Together, we will achieve scar free healing within a generation.

Our research strategy is focused on three priority areas

Identify

We’re uncovering the biological pathways that lead to scarring.

Change

We’re pioneering new treatments to improve wound healing and prevent scarring.

Support

We’re helping people with scars live positive, independent lives.

Will you help us discover the next research breakthrough?

“With your support, we can better understand how scars form and heal. Please donate to The Scar Free Foundation today.”

Professor Janet Lord, Emeritus Professor of Immune Cell Biology University of Birmingham

Donate today

Professor Janet Lord, a scientist, sitting at a messy lab desk.

Simon’s Story

“To end up with a scar free world, wouldn’t it be wonderful?”

Our Lead Ambassador, Simon Weston CBE, survived severe burns to his face and body after his ship was attacked during the Falklands War.

READ His STORY

News and views

News

VE Day 2025: Richard visits Belsen concentration camp to mark 80th anniversary of the liberation

Richard reflects on his visit to Belsen, which formed part of the Association of Ex-Jewish Servicemen and Women’s Commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation.

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Funding

Applications open for 2025 Amber Young Burns Research Fellowship

A generous grant scheme for early career researchers to kickstart projects in paediatric burns is open for applications.

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News
Doug runs along a street with other runners. He wears a red running vest and cap, and he waves at the camera.

Go, Doug, go! First ever Scar Free representative to run London Marathon 2025 

Doug Meikle will run in support of his best friend, Ed, who has Dercum’s Disease.

Find out more