Wallingford School will be completing a sponsored walk on Monday 27th June 2016 in order to raise money for the FAB charity. The event will involve the whole school community and reflects the supportive ethos that permeates Wallingford School.

Please make donations via our JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wallingfordschool2016

Henry's Story

Henry is the son of a long-serving member of staff at Wallingford School. On 17th July 2015, 8-month-year-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 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. Its aim is to provide ongoing 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 camps, fun days and parties. 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. With continual support, positive encouragement and the determination that has helped them, we hope to see the realisation of their dreams. They provide this support by offering the opportunity to meet up with others who really do understand, by organising adventure camps and holidays, parties and day trips. These are provided at no cost to the child or family, so fundraising plays a big part in the activities. FAB are completely self funding and all the work is carried out by volunteers.

Please make donations via our JustGiving page:www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wallingfordschool2016

For more information please visit www.fabclub.org.uk