Tatyana’s Story

It was the day after my 8^th birthday. I was at home and accidentally set my clothes on fire with a lighter I’d found. I remember my mum calling an ambulance and then waking up in hospital with 60% of my legs, back and arms covered with second and third degree burns.

I know first-hand the impact that scarring has – as I grew, my scars meant that the skin on my arms became tight and uncomfortable. At school, I was subject to bullying, staring and cruel comments, which led to depression.

Growing up as a young, Black woman with burns, I can honestly say I didn’t ever see anyone who looked like me to aspire to, to have as a role model. And the 14-year-old me really needed to see someone that I could relate to. I think most teenage girls feel awkward, you just want acceptance from your peers. When you’ve got a visible difference, it feels like all that anxiety about fitting in is elevated 10 times over.

Eventually, I built up the courage to go to a camp for children with burns and met other young people who had been through similar experiences. This really helped me build confidence. I’m now working with others to raise awareness of the long term mental and physical impact that scarring can have on people’s lives.

I no longer feel the need to cover my scars with high necked tops and scarves. I’m proud of me.

As a society, we need to talk about scarring. I think it would help a lot of people feel more comfortable with their appearance, to know that there is help available. I feel positive that I’m helping people.

The Scar Free Foundation’s work is so important to show the diversity of people affected by scars and that not everyone fits into one category. The charity is changing the way that people look at scars and breaking down the barriers that exist by talking about them and understanding the problems. The research that The Foundation is funding will create a scar free future, which everyone should be able to experience.