About Family Burns Club
Burns and scalds are amongst the most harrowing and painful injuries that can happen to any child, and they often leave lifelong scars that are not just physical, but psychological also. These injuries are a constant reminder to both the child and their family of the harrowing trauma that they have endured, sometimes over many years.
What Do We Do?
- We support and organise events and activities that bring together young people and their families, from birth up to the age of 25
- Reinforce that despite lifelong scars, their dreams, their hopes and their goals are just as achievable as any other child’s
- Provide a place where the children have fun, and rebuild their confidence and self esteem
- Promote challenges and educational experiences
Tracy Foster BEM, Founder
Hi, I’m Tracy Foster, a play specialist at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. I have worked on the region’s Children’s Burn Unit for many years. In December 2016, I was honoured to receive a Queen’s Award for services to children with severe burns in Yorkshire.
Throughout my time on the burn unit, I have witnessed the trauma burns cause to children, young adults, and their families, as they come to us from across the Yorkshire and Humber region. This experience led me to expand the support I provide for burn survivors, alongside a dedicated volunteer team. The Family Burns Club is a safe and supportive space where children and young adults can connect with others who are on the same journey.
It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow into strong, resilient individuals, proud of the path they’ve taken.
Head of Admin
My son was scalded in 2007 at the age of 2 when he pulled a hot cup of tea over onto himself. He was rushed to Pinderfields Burns Unit and underwent a skin graft the same day. It’s the scariest thing myself and my husband have ever been through. The support that we received from Tracy and the Burns Club has been amazing, Caspar has been given such great opportunities at camps over the years and I have been lucky enough to volunteer and attend the camps too. Having seen the kind of effect the club has on both the patient and their families I am honoured to now be a part of the new charity and am looking forward to supporting more families in the future.
My family burns club weekend
My Family Burns Club is a group that supports children and young adults who have experienced burn injuries. For many, the trauma can leave lasting scars that impact their self-esteem and confidence. The camp provides a safe, loving space where individuals who have gone through similar experiences can come together. It’s uplifting and inspiring to see children of all ages bond over shared struggles. They learn that burn injuries can happen to anyone, no matter their background, and that it’s okay to look and feel different.
At camp, new kids are welcomed and reassured by those who’ve attended before, showing them that the weekend will be fun and a chance to talk about their worries in a safe space. It’s amazing to see how the kids support each other and help each other heal. The camp is also a place for parents and caregivers to connect, share their feelings, and get advice. Many parents, like me, tend to blame themselves for the accident, even when it’s out of our control. Burns camp helped me get out of a dark place and reminded me that I’m not alone.
Hearing other parents’ stories and learning how they’ve coped with the stresses of a burn injury is empowering. The strength and resilience of the children and families in “My Family Burns” are truly inspiring. It’s a beautiful feeling to know that by listening and supporting others, you might help them find peace and confidence again. I can’t thank Tracy and everyone in this community enough for what they’ve done for my family and me. We’re forever a part of this amazing family. We love our weekends at camp and are grateful for My Family Burns.
Love A Parent
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2022
Queens award for voluntary services 2022 “ We being cognisant of the said group’s outstanding voluntary work in the community and being desirous of showing Our Royal Favour do hereby confer upon it”
“I have given many year of voluntary time and I am so proud to be part of Family Burns Club “
Jasmine Foster-Hale