Giving kids with burns the chance to heal, grow and thrive

In a split second, everything can change. Charlie and his family know this all too well.  

At just 11 months old, Charlie was a happy-go-lucky, curious young boy discovering the world around him – until he pulled on the cord of a deep fryer, pouring boiling oil onto himself. His mum, Sam, did not hesitate, rushing him into the shower as they waited for the ambulance to take him to Queensland Children’s Hospital. 

But her quick thinking could only do so much. 

36% of Charlie’s little body – his arms, shoulders, stomach and upper thighs – were covered in full-thickness burns, affecting both the outer and inner layers of his skin. Over the next two days, he spent eight hours in the operating theatre as surgeons worked hard to dress his burns and reduce long-term damage from his injuries. For his parents, the waiting was unbearable.  

“At the time, we didn’t know if he was going to make it,”says Sam. 

“We didn’t know what was happening. I remember just sitting there – waiting and waiting and waiting.”

Charlie and his family stayed in hospital for 39 days, celebrating his first birthday in between 11 operations for skin grafting and intense specialist treatments. But this only marked the beginning of a long, emotional road to recovery for him and his family.   

His early childhood revolved around trips from home on the Gold Coast to Brisbane for scar management treatment. Over the years since his accident, he has received steroid injections, pressure garments, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, microneedling and laser treatment.   

Far more than any child should endure – yet life–saving care that would not be possible without your support. 

Community support combined with initiatives such as Bike 4 Burns – an annual charity ride led by brave Queensland firefighters – funds research and equipment that has redefined the paediatric burns treatment landscape, such as reducing the need for skin grafting in burns patients from 96% to just 2%. 

This support is more than treatment. It’s hope. It’s the chance to see progress where once there was uncertainty, and to know that every step forward is backed by kindness from people like you to create better care. 

This year, Sam wanted to show her appreciation and give back to those who gave Charlie the chance to grow into the person he is today. Despite having little cycling experience, she joined the Bike 4 Burns 20th anniversary ride in May – pedalling 800km from Bundaberg to Brisbane to raise her own funds for young burns patients. 

For children living with burns, treatment and care go beyond the physical. Recovery continues throughout adolescence around self-confidence, mental health and their sense of belonging. 

From breakthroughs in wound dressing and skin grafting treatments to programs that support kids’ emotional wellbeing, funding is the difference kids like Charlie need for their recovery, and acts as a beacon of hope for parents like Sam.  

“I’ve seen children who had treatment 11 – 12 months earlier than Charlie, and the difference in what the treatment he’s received has made. . . It blows my mind and creates hope. Given the situation, the fact that we were able to get cutting-edge treatment from a world-class surgeon was just amazing.”

Your support also funds Camp Oz – a place where kids living with burns can step out of their comfort zone, build confidence and create lasting friendships. Now, Charlie has a safe space to create lifelong memories, normalise what he’s been through and learn that his burns do not define him – they are only part of his story. 

Despite the hardship he has faced at such a young age, Charlie continues to grow into a kind, caring and proud young boy. Since 2016, he has been an ambassador for Children’s Hospital Foundation, allowing him to talk openly about his injuries, remove the stigma young burns patients face and witness first–hand the difference your support makes. 

Now 11, he still undergoes occupational therapy and laser treatment, though his scar tissue release treatments are only needed every two years. Charlie lives his life the same as others his age, attending heavy metal concerts and playing tennis, recently winning Sportsman of the Year – a true show of his character and outlook on life.  

“It’s amazing watching him still be able to do the things he wants to – he’s still able to live a normal life,” says Sam.

With your support, kids like Charlie are not only receiving world-class treatment, but the chance to heal, grow and look toward the future with confidence. 

Your generosity is driving the breakthroughs, care and programs that are reshaping what recovery looks like for children with burns. If you’d like to support kids like Charlie, make a donation today.