Emma was enjoying an evening with her family when her life changed in an instant. She suffered 29% burns, and her family home was partly destroyed.
“I was a nurse, recently starting my own business to continue teaching and empowering others, when our paraffin firepit exploded. The back of me was engulfed in flames, and the house caught fire. For the next 10 months, my family and I lived with my dad while the house was renovated and I recovered.
I was treated at Whiston Hospital, specialists in burn injuries. Maybe it was the nurse in me, but I followed their instructions and gritted through the pain so I could be home with my family or because someone else needed the bed. When I was discharged after 4.5 weeks, the reality hit me—I felt completely lost. I thought I was strong; scars heal, but the mental trauma left me in a dark place. I wanted to be the person I was before, but I knew I’d be different.
In panic, I reached out to Katie Piper via Instagram. I didn’t expect a reply, but she directed me to The Katie Piper Foundation. Within days, I was connected with Johanne and the team, who became a real comfort.
The Foundation changed my life. From psychological support to residential rehabilitation—what I called the ‘Retreat’—I found a sanctuary of healing centred on me. At first, I was apprehensive about my burns and the care I needed, but the team removed that fear.
The therapies were transformative. Mindfulness, physiotherapy, scar massage, yoga, and personal training all helped me feel emotionally lighter. The movement I gained in my arms, the way my scars flattened, and the relief from Dermacool cream were incredible. I finally felt listened to and understood.
The Katie Piper Foundation addresses every aspect of recovery—physical, mental, and emotional. From the moment I arrived at the Retreat, I felt relief, comfort, and hope for the future.”