Our three flagship projects at The Scar Free Foundation Centre for Conflict Wound Research, which focus on both the immediate treatment and long-term rehabilitation of all those wounded in conflict, are each making good progress. The UNITS psychological project continues to recruit and interview injured veterans, whilst our scar laser study - which seeks to assess the effectiveness of laser therapy for treating historic scars - has now started recruiting participants.
A Year in Review
This year has been an exciting yet busy time for The Scar Free Foundation. With our national programme of research now well underway, we take a look back at what we have achieved in 2019.
In March we welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex to the Centre. As well as meeting members of the CASEVAC Club of injured veterans, Prince Harry had the opportunity to test our anti-scarring gel dressing, which is currently undergoing the first-in-human clinical trial. Media coverage of the Centre for Conflict Wound Research, including Prince Harry's visit, is available here.
Another highlight of the year was our annual Involvement Reception held for our Scar Free Ambassadors - those with a lived experience of scarring - and their families. This year guests attended social media and public speaking workshops run by two of our Ambassadors, Lois Collier and Pam Warren. It is a privilege to be among such an inspirational group of people and we look forward to repeating the event in 2020.
Our Armed Forces Reception in Whitehall, London was another memorable moment where we showcased our conflict wound research to our supporters. Attendees included members of the CASEVAC Club of veterans injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, who are involved in our research projects at the Centre for Conflict Wound Research.
More recently we announced plans to fund a feasibility project to establish the world's first children's burns cohort. This project, situated within our UK Burns Research Network, is part of our ongoing commitment to improve burn care and treatment. The announcement was met with significant media interest, all of which is available to view here.
Our 20th Anniversary afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace hosted by our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, was the perfect way to end the year. We are so grateful to all those who have supported The Scar Free Foundation and look forward to more, exciting programmes and events in 2020.