As a family, we were affected by a burns injury when our eldest daughter got burnt by a hot water bottle that split. I personally never understood just how painful burn injuries were, until that horrifying day. After a two week stay in hospital, infections in the open wounds and ongoing scar care treatments, the road to recovery is long.

The care that my daughter received (and continues to receive) was incredible and the staff at the Royal Manchester Children’s hospital were amazing. I have been wanting to give back ever since.

Although not burned by a hot drink, it was kettle water (don’t use in hot water bottles!) that was inside the hot water bottle (something I will forever regret) and many burns injuries are caused by boiling hot water.

A burn injury is for life. Being burned or scalded as a child means years of painful treatment and in the worst cases hundreds of operations to release the scar tissue as they grow. The psychological impact of a burn injury is also immense, particularly when burn survivors reach their teenage years and have to cope with self-image and self-confidence issues.

The Children’s Burns Trust -

We are the only UK childrens charity working nationally to reduce the number of burns and scalds happening to children.