The Scar Free Foundation

When wounded, our bodies defend against infection by plastering any holes with huge quantities of scar tissue, even though the results are disfiguring and often create huge health issues. The Scar Free Foundation is figuring out the science of how to moderate this pre-historic reflex. It was great catching up with Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE, CB, CVO, CBE and the team. I have seen their amazing work at first hand. Good luck to the team at this exciting time for the science of scarring. We met at the Association of Medical Research Charities parliamentary event, along with CEO Nicola Perrin and Chair Dr Louise Wood CBE.  Medical research charities play a critical role by driving investment in complex problems, mobilising patients, investing at risk, and generally advocating progress. It's a tough time - people have somehow forgotten the giving habit. Hats off to all those making the case for medical research. 

A month ago, Anuska Shah and I reached out to The Scar Free Foundation to offer our support, and we were honoured to be invited to their symposium and drinks reception. The event was truly inspiring, with a series of fascinating lectures about the latest advancements in scar research, and we left feeling motivated to contribute in a meaningful way. For those unfamiliar, The Scar Free Foundation (SFF) is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by scarring, both physical and psychological. Founded in 1999, SFF works closely with organisations like BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), British Society for Surgery of the Hand, British Burn Association, BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGEONS (BAAPS), THE CRANIOFACIAL SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND - A SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY OF CLEFT LIP AND PALATE AND OTHER CRANIOFACIAL ANOMALIES, and The British Psychological Society to advance scar treatment and prevention. Their research is at the forefront of innovation, from genetic testing using zebrafish to exploring groundbreaking approaches in skin regeneration and gene therapy. One of the most impactful moments at SFF’s recent symposium was hearing from Lottie Pollak, a gunshot survivor who shared her personal story. Lottie survived gunshot wounds to the face and the removal of a tumour from her neck. She now lives with facial scarring, but thanks to the expertise of plastic surgeons, she can live a full life again. Lottie said: "Plastic surgeons rebuilt my face. They mended the hole so that I could be understood when I talk and could eat solid food without losing most of it. They rebuilt the bones around my eye so I could read again. They saved my life and gave me back the ability to live the way I want. I want to thank them. I want to make sure others have the opportunity to benefit as I have." As students, we feel it’s now our turn to give back and are incredibly excited to announce the launch of The Scar Free Foundation Student Section! This initiative will allow students across the country to get involved, learn from experts, and help raise awareness about SFF’s crucial work. We’ll soon be launching a National and Regional Student Committee, and we can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together. SFF is a small charity, and many students are yet to be aware of the incredible work they do. By creating this student-driven platform, we hope to spread the word and bring more attention to their efforts. A big thank you to Lubna Arif-Schmidt, PhD, MCIOF(Dip) for all her help along the way and for supporting our fundraising initiatives. We’re excited for what’s to come, and we hope you’ll join us on this journey to support SFF and make a real difference! #ScarFreeFoundation #StudentInitiative #MedicalResearch #Philanthropy #HealthcareInnovation #ScarResearch #StudentSection

A month ago, Anuska Shah and I reached out to The Scar Free Foundation to offer our support, and we were honoured to be invited to their symposium and drinks reception. The event was truly inspiring, with a series of fascinating lectures about the latest advancements in scar research, and we left feeling motivated to contribute in a meaningful way. For those unfamiliar, The Scar Free Foundation (SFF) is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by scarring, both physical and psychological. Founded in 1999, SFF works closely with organisations like BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), British Society for Surgery of the Hand, British Burn Association, BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGEONS (BAAPS), THE CRANIOFACIAL SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND - A SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY OF CLEFT LIP AND PALATE AND OTHER CRANIOFACIAL ANOMALIES, and The British Psychological Society to advance scar treatment and prevention. Their research is at the forefront of innovation, from genetic testing using zebrafish to exploring groundbreaking approaches in skin regeneration and gene therapy. One of the most impactful moments at SFF’s recent symposium was hearing from Lottie Pollak, a gunshot survivor who shared her personal story. Lottie survived gunshot wounds to the face and the removal of a tumour from her neck. She now lives with facial scarring, but thanks to the expertise of plastic surgeons, she can live a full life again. Lottie said: "Plastic surgeons rebuilt my face. They mended the hole so that I could be understood when I talk and could eat solid food without losing most of it. They rebuilt the bones around my eye so I could read again. They saved my life and gave me back the ability to live the way I want. I want to thank them. I want to make sure others have the opportunity to benefit as I have." As students, we feel it’s now our turn to give back and are incredibly excited to announce the launch of The Scar Free Foundation Student Section! This initiative will allow students across the country to get involved, learn from experts, and help raise awareness about SFF’s crucial work. We’ll soon be launching a National and Regional Student Committee, and we can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together. SFF is a small charity, and many students are yet to be aware of the incredible work they do. By creating this student-driven platform, we hope to spread the word and bring more attention to their efforts. A big thank you to Lubna Arif-Schmidt, PhD, MCIOF(Dip) for all her help along the way and for supporting our fundraising initiatives. We’re excited for what’s to come, and we hope you’ll join us on this journey to support SFF and make a real difference! #ScarFreeFoundation #StudentInitiative #MedicalResearch #Philanthropy #HealthcareInnovation #ScarResearch #StudentSection