Henry's Story

Henry is the son of a long-serving member of staff at Wallingford School. On 17th July 2015, 8 month old Henry suffered a serious burns injury to 60% of his body. He was air-lifted to Bristol Children's Hospital, where there is a Paediatric Burns Unit. After spending the first few days in intensive care, Henry spent the next 3 months in the High Dependency Unit and continues to undergo regular operations and recovery treatment, led by the Burns Team. 

Initially there was a focus on simply helping Henry to survive this traumatic event, but attention shifted to recovery including numerous skin grafts and laser treatment. Henry is now doing very well. All who meet him are impressed by his overwhelmingly happy nature and his surgeons are astounded by his recovery to date. It is hoped that Henry will continue to make great progress as he grows and develops over the next few years.

Despite the positives, Henry will have significant scarring over his legs, abdomen and one arm. Young people and their families at Wallingford School will know how hard things can be getting through the 'growing up' stage of life. The scarring left after a burn injury is lifelong .Children and their families have to come to terms with an altered body image. Henry and children in a similar position, will need support in order to build self-esteem, confidence and social skills, which is where the FAB charity comes in.

The Frenchay After Burns (FAB) Children's Club is an independent charity based in Bristol. It's aim is to provide on-going support to burn-injured children and their families from injury through to adulthood. The Fab club supports young burns survivors and their families by building self-esteem, confidence and having fun through activities such as adventure camps, day trips and parties. These are provided at no cost to the child or family, so  fundraising plays a big part in the activities. Friendships are made by the children and their families whilst giving mutual support to one another.

A burn injury is traumatic and can be a devastating experience. Children may have to cope with embarrassment, teasing and staring, and may require frequent hospital admissions and operations until they stop growing. The scarring left after a burn injury is lifelong, the children and their families have to come to terms with an altered body image. This can reduce their confidence when growing up is already difficult enough.

FAB's support helps the children recognise that their hopes and goals are still the same and just as achievable.  FAB are completely
self funding and all the work is carried out by volunteers.