In the past few years, the Foundation has hosted an annual Ambassador event to celebrate and inform our ‘lived experience’ supporters. This year we ran a series of on-line Ambassador events instead. The events gave a space for those affected by scarring to learn more about the Foundation and discuss issues of interest; for example Gary shared his experiences of the art of meditation and mindfulness. We were also honoured that our Royal Patron HRH The Countess of Wessex dropped in on one call, surprising the Ambassadors. You can watch their reactions here. We hope to continue our virtual events into 2020 but are also very much looking forward to everyone being together in person too.
India, Dan and Lois wrote about their experiences of lockdown for our summer newsletter; explaining how for them, self-isolation is a familiar experience. Dan described how ‘the COVID-19 virus has, in part, created an isolated world which I, and others like myself, already existed in’, and Lois pointed to how ‘when I first got the scar on my face, I would make excuses not to go out, as it was easier to stay inside and not have to replay what happened to me, or answer strangers' questions about how I got my scar.’ India also wrote beautifully, retelling her story and describing how lockdown has affected her. Read her story here.
In September, Jaco also wrote a very moving article on his story for Sepsis Awareness Month. The piece shows the impact of the illness and gives an important insight into how scarring can affect people not only physically but also psychologically and emotionally. Irie also wrote a beautiful poem for National Poetry Day about her experience as a mother of a child with burn injuries; drawing attention to the affect that scarring has on family and friends as well as the survivor.
More recently, Justyn told his story and detailed why he became involved with The Scar Free Foundation at the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers virtual reception. You can watch the full presentation here. Justyn also presented at our Annual Update event, telling his message about living life with faith not fear. Watch his presentation here.
In an amazing end to the year, we were so grateful to our Ambassadors Delilah and Sophie for helping to launch our new research programme at the University of Bristol, Delilah bravely telling her story for BBC Breakfast; you can watch the footage here.
We are so privileged to be supported by such an amazing network of people, who inspire our mission to achieve scar free healing, every day. Although we have not been able to gather together this year, we’re so grateful that this hasn’t stopped us all working together as a team.