Our second Community Event, in association with Royal British Veterans Enterprise, takes place in Kent

Wednesday 15 July 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our second Scar Free Foundation Community Event, held in partnership with the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE).

The afternoon brought together Veterans, supporters and healthcare professionals for an open and supportive conversation about living with scars, recovery and rehabilitation.

It was an opportunity to share experiences, learn from experts, and connect with others who understand the realities of life after injury.

Hosted at the RBVE Community Centre in Aylesford, Kent, the event formed part of our growing Community Event programme, which aims to provide trusted information and create welcoming spaces for people affected by scarring alongside our ongoing investment in world-leading research.

The second Scar Free Foundation Community Event, in association with Royal British Veterans Enterprise, was held on a hot and sunny Tuesday at a Veteran’s community centre in Kent.

We were privileged to hear from British Army and UK Special Forces veteran Ben Gallagher, who shared his moving experiences of the life-changing injuries he sustained during active service and his journey through trauma, recovery, adapting to life with scarring, and ultimately competing as a Paralympic rower.

Ben’s powerful story highlighted not only the physical impact of severe injuries, but also the resilience and determination of survivors, and how support plays such an important role in recovery.

Alongside Ben, attendees heard from scar therapy and sports massage therapist Anca Bratu MSMA, who shared practical advice on scar massage, scar management and the different approaches available to support long-term healing.

The panel was completed by burns and plastic surgery nurse specialist Kristina Stiles, who drew on more than 18 years of clinical experience to answer questions and offer evidence-based guidance on scar care.

Together, the speakers created an informal discussion where no question was off limits, giving attendees the opportunity to ask about treatments, rehabilitation, wellbeing and the everyday realities of living with scars.