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Hi, I'm Rhys, and I'm here to share my journey with Frenchay After Burns (FAB).

As a burn survivor, my relationship with FAB runs deep. It all began when I was just three years old, following a life-changing accident at my preschool that left me with a burn injury to my hand. Despite the challenges I faced, FAB became a source of joy and support in my early years, with day trips and pantomimes organized by the organization.

However, it wasn't until I turned seven that my connection with FAB truly flourished. I eagerly became a regular camper, attending camps held each year until I turned seventeen. These camps weren't just events; they were transformative experiences that shaped my childhood and adolescence, offering me a sense of belonging and empowerment through outdoor adventures and creative workshops.

One standout memory from my time with FAB is the challenge of the quay jump at Skern Lodge camp in North Devon. I first encountered this challenge when I was around 14 years old. I remember feeling nervous about taking the leap, but I was motivated by my friends and the encouragement from the volunteers. In the end, I decided to go for it, and after taking the jump, I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment. It was in that moment that I realized I could overcome any obstacle with determination and support. FAB instilled that resilience in me, showing me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

One of the most meaningful parts of my experience with FAB has been the friendships I've developed. Whether it was the close connection forged with fellow campers during my first camp or the enduring relationships nurtured over the years, these friendships have offered me a profound sense of belonging and support.

The annual camps organized by FAB hold a special place in my heart. They're not just about having fun; they're about healing, growth, and empowerment. These camps provide burn survivors with a supportive environment where they can participate in various activities tailored to their needs, from outdoor adventures to creative workshops. Through these experiences, participants build confidence, resilience, and lasting friendships that transcend their burns.

As a volunteer with FAB, I aspire to pay forward the same support and encouragement that I received as a camper. I hope to empower children in the same way FAB empowered me, teaching them that they are capable of anything they put their mind to and that they can overcome any challenge with determination and support.

Today, as a volunteer with FAB, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much. FAB's commitment to providing support, fostering resilience, and advocating for burn survivors through initiatives like the annual camps is truly commendable.

I can honestly say that I wouldn't be the person I am today without FAB. The experiences, friendships, and support I received from this incredible organization have shaped me in profound ways, instilling in me a sense of resilience, empathy, and gratitude that I carry with me every day.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the FAB volunteers, past and present, who have played a vital role in shaping my life. Your dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on me, and I am forever grateful. I encourage anyone considering volunteering or seeking support to get involved with FAB – it is a community like no other, where every individual is valued and supported.