alison prowle
Alison's 'Not All Scars Are Visible'
Fundraising for RED Community
Story
On June 16th, I suffered a Type A aortic dissection. It was
unexpected, traumatic, and, ultimately, life-threatening. Thanks to providence and the amazing work done by the NHS , I pulled through and here we are, almost a year later! Just like any major surgery, I was left with a prominent scar. Mine is 29cm in length and is likely to stay with me forever. Usually my scar stays covered because it tends to attract attention.
However, scars are not always physical. To celebrate the one
year anniversary of my dissection, I am raising money for The Red Community. This is a Christian charity who support the trafficked, exploited and enslaved. As well as generally raising awareness about the extent of these issues, the Red Community offers services
to those who have survived. This support includes their befriending scheme, Embrace. This project aims to pair survivors of human trafficking with members of the community who are willing and able to offer support. This support can be as simple as meeting for a coffee or a walk once a week, as sometimes even having a friend to talk to can be incredibly effective and meaningful. The scheme also seeks to offer financial support to these survivors, helping to provide simple necessities like clothing and hygiene products or vital counselling and professional support for survivors.
So, on the 16th June, my "aortaversary" my friend and I will be turning my heart surgery scar into a work of art, using traditional mendhi henna designs. I will of course post photos, even though I
am a bit camera shy!
We can think about scars in a few different ways. They can be painful reminders of trauma which are unlikely to disappear, or they can be
battle scars, reminders of endurance, fortitude and strength. The scars of modern slavery may not be as quick to heal as my aortic dissection scar, they may not be as obvious, and they may not be as visible, but they are just as real and just as painful. However, they also serve as symbols of bravery and survival. Together, we can work towards a world where the scars of modern slavery are remembered as things of the past.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and please consider donating to this important cause.