Nigel’s Story
It was 30 October 2015. I remember the date of my accident so well.
What happened?
It was 30 October 2015. I remember the date of my accident so well because our daughter was only two months old and our son, three years old.
I was burnt by a petrol flame to approximately 15% of my face, hands, arm and torso.
My treatment and recovery journey
I had multiple surgeries as part of my treatment.
During my occupational therapy, I had items custom made for me – 21 arm, hand and finger splints; 49 chest, arm, hand and face garments; and 3 vacuum formed clear face garments.
I was always a glass half-full type of person which led me to be open and accepting of everything that happened.
As a patient in rehabilitation, from physiotherapy to occupational therapy, I did exactly what was asked of me and I’ve had terrific outcomes.
My life now
Four years on from the accident, I can bend to pick up, carry and play with our children. I’m also able to drive and have gone back to work.
Until you experience something like I did, you may never know about the Fiona Wood Foundation and the research. I’ve seen first-hand the work of the burns team and know that research leads to rehabilitation.
Being a curious, optimistic and determined person, desperate to reclaim my life, I am honouring the essential research by the Foundation. I volunteer and have been a ‘guinea pig’ in several of their projects like laser research and I’ve had my face imaged, poked and prodded.
To be able to reduce scarring is what’s important. I expected to look like Freddy Kreuger after wearing a face mask for so long and with everyone staring at me, and I know now that I don’t.
The support I was given from my wife Jody, my family and the Burns Service team and my work, made all the difference.
Nigel