India’s Story
burns survivor
India Gale survived 40% burns to her body after her dress caught fire when she was just three years old. She has scarring on her thighs, stomach, arms, neck and face.
I was left with 40% burns to my body after my dress caught fire when I was just three years old, leaving me with scars to my thighs, stomach, arms, neck and face. I spent months in hospital after the accident. And ever since I’ve had ongoing surgeries. Most people don’t realise, but damaged skin like scar tissue doesn’t grow with me.
A scar is something that happened in the past, yet you still have to take it with you forever. It’s a constant reminder of something you don’t want to be reminded of. I don’t think it needs to be. If a scar could be something in the past, and nothing else, that would make a huge difference.
If there’s anything I can do to help someone who’s going through what I went through, I’ll do it. But more than that, I like the idea that someone else might not have to go through it at all. I think that’s an amazing ambition.
If a scar could be something in the past, and nothing else, that would make a huge difference.
India GaleI support the Scar Free Foundation as I believe that the incredible research will help people not have to deal with the psychological and physical effects of scarring. Research like this is important because I think scars make a huge impact on people’s lives. It isn’t just physical but it disrupts schooling and work and there’s a huge emotional impact as well.
I am always going to have to get past the barrier that people only see my scars. You have to prove you’re like anybody else. It makes things a little bit harder when you’re meeting new people.
I want to be seen for my achievements, for my values and for my personality and not something as superficial as my skin. That’s why I think the work the Scar Free does is so incredibly important, because they are fighting for a vision of scar free world.
Where these things don’t have to haunt us our whole lives.
Where we don’t have to carry this weight our whole lives.
I’m now a Trainee Solicitor, and want those that do have scarring like me to know that we can make our dreams come true.
Scar free healing is something I would really love to see. The idea that no one will have to deal with this kind of thing again really is amazing.
We’re closer than ever to a world without scarring.
With your support, we can fund groundbreaking research that will unlock the secrets of scar free healing and transform the lives of people with scars, both now and in the future.
BEHIND EVERY SCAR, THERE’S A STORY.
Elizabeth’s Story
Elizabeth Soffe survived severe burns across her whole body when she was six months old. She was awarded Child of Courage by the Pride of Britain Awards in 2022 after raising over £200,000 for the hospital that saved her life.
Find out more
Justyn’s Story
Justyn Hollet survived third degree burns over his neck and upper body when he pulled a pot of boiling water off the kitchen counter as a toddler.
Find out more
Delilah’s Story
Delilah Care survived 50% third degree burns in 2011 – when she was just 17 months old. She and her mum, Sophie Dix, are both Ambassadors with The Scar Free Foundation.
Find out more