Justyn’s Story

Burns Survivor and Mental Health Campaigner

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.

I was just a toddler when I changed my appearance. I pulled a pot of boiling water off the kitchen counter, resulting in third degree burns and scarring over my neck and upper body.

I think I first became aware of the difference that my scars made to my life when I had to wear an all-in-one swimsuit. I didn’t understand why I had to be different, but I knew that I was. I went to Spain with my family and I was in a fleece on the beach. Today, I have grown in courage – and recently started having swimming lessons – but even now those early memories and feelings of being different are still in my mind. It’s a fear of judgement and it’s really tough.

Growing up, I didn’t have much access to support. There was no dedicated burns unit where I lived and little was provided in the way of psychological support. I have recently undergone reconstructive surgery to create a lobe on my ear, and have had further surgery to help improve the appearance of my scars, and release the tightness typical of scarring.

I can’t change the past. I can’t create new skin, and I don’t want to.

Justyn Hollett

It’s important that as a society, people keep growing and striving to understand themselves and each other. I can’t change the past. I can’t create new skin, and I don’t want to. I just need to create and understand what the best version of me is. Some days are good days, some days are not so great. I just have to remember what got me through the good days. I try not to let my scar hinder me. Living with scarring can be a lonely experience, because it’s not always possible to share openly with friends and family. So talking to people who have been through something similar is crucial, and can have a profound impact on other people who are struggling. I have shared my own experiences through my platform BRAVESCAR, to help others, and this has really given me a sense of purpose.

Just talking about my experience can resonate with others and help them get through tough times. It makes me think I’m meant to be here and this is why what happened, happened. My scars changed my life, but now with them I can help in changing others.

I’m proud of being the Founder of BRAVESCAR, and am proud to be an Ambassador for the Scar Free Foundation. When I was younger, scarring wasn’t understood at all. We are now trying to change this – to help others to understand the physical and emotional side of scarring.

Accidents and injuries have an emotional as well as a physical impact. The Foundation’s vision of a Scar Free World would help people deal with the emotional trauma of such events. Healing scar free would give the survivor the chance to work from the outside in, without having to worry about their physical appearance – you can focus on the inside.

Healing scar free would give the survivor the chance to work from the outside in, without having to worry about their physical appearance – you can focus on the inside.

Justyn Hollett

Black History Month 2023

Justyn was one of three of our Ambassadors who took part in our Black History Month campaign in October 2023.

Scarring does not affect everyone equally. Research tells us that people with more melanin in their skin, like Black and brown people, are twice as likely to get keloids compared to those with lighter skin tones. On top of that, living with scars as a Black person comes with its own set of cultural pressures and unique challenges. We spoke with our Ambassadors Justyn Hollet, Raiché Mederick, and Tatyana Emanie about their experiences as Black individuals living with scars.

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.

Donate now

BEHIND EVERY SCAR, THERE’S A STORY.

Raiche’s Story

Raiché Mederick survived 70% burns caused by a house fire when she was just 18 months old.

Find out more

Marian’s Story

Marian Adejokun was hospitalised in 2011, when a severe allergic reaction almost killed her. She was diagnosed with a rare and deadly disease – Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Find out more

Graham’s Story

Graham Elsmore survived 67% burns to his whole body when a DIY job went wrong.

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