Trudie was injured in a house fire in 1986 when she was just 13 months old. She was brought to the Queen Victoria Hospital and remained in intensive care for the first three months before being transferred to Peanut Ward for ongoing treatment.
Over the next 20 years, Trudie has returned regularly to hospital and has had over 35 operations during that time. These included skin grafting and tissue expanding to improve her hairline; her scalp having been particularly badly damaged in the fire.
Trudie is a now a delightful 23 year old mother of Connor. Trudie shares her life with Darren in their own home in East Grinstead; never far away from the hospital which saved her life and where she has eventually ended up following a career in nursing.
Trudie wanted to tell her story to me so that I could use it in an attempt to illustrate how very important it is that we continue our research into the treatment of burns and other wounds, not only to save lives but reduce the scarring which can have such a devastating effect for the rest of the patient’s life. Trudie has learned to understand and respect that people will always stare; she knows that her injuries, and how she has coped with them, are what makes her the very special young woman that she is today. She now wants to give something back as a thank you to those who saved her life and to help others in the future.
Trudie with Connor
I first met Trudie when I joined the McIndoe Burns Support Group, of which we are co members and was immediately inspired by her confidence and charming personality. Unfortunately, some people still find it difficult to look beyond the scars to find the real person underneath. We must continue our research work but in order to do that we need help. We can never stop accidents happening but, with your support, we can help those affected by them.
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