The difference Charlie deserves

Healing children inside and out

The start of the road 

In a split second, 11-month-old Charlie’s life changed completely when he pulled on the cord of a deep fryer, pouring boiling oil onto himself. 

36% of his little body – his arms, shoulders, stomach and upper thighs – were covered in full-thickness burns – a type of burn that affects both the outer and inner layers of skin. He spent 39 days in Queensland Children’s Hospital, celebrating his first birthday in between 11 operations for skin grafting and intense specialist treatments. 

Most of Charlie’s childhood has involved travelling up from home on the Gold Coast to Brisbane for scar management treatment. Over the years, he has received steroid injections, pressure garments, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, microneedling and laser treatment.  

While Charlie has come a long way, his road to recovery is not over yet. 

Healing step by step 

Children’s Hospital Foundation funds life-changing research and care for young burns patients – from breakthroughs in wound dressing and skin grafting treatments to programs that support kids’ emotional wellbeing, such as Clown Doctors visits to Queensland Children’s Hospital’s burns clinic and Camp Oz. 

For Charlie, this funding has been a critical part in his road to recovery and a beacon of hope for his mum, 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.”   

– Sam, Charlie’s mum

Alongside clinical treatment, Camp Oz has helped Charlie by normalising what he’s been through and giving him a safe space. 

“He gets to not only be around kids that have been through everything he has, but he also gets to build extra confidence and experience things he hasn’t done before.” 

Since 2016, Charlie has been an ambassador for Children’s Hospital Foundation, an experience that has allowed him to talk openly about his injuries, remove the stigma and witness first-hand the difference funding has made.  

Strength beyond scars 

Today, Charlie is 11, and despite the hardship he has faced at such a young age, he continues to grow into a kind, caring and proud young boy.  

He currently receives occupational therapy and laser treatment a couple of times a year, his scar tissue release treatments now only needed every two years.  

Charlie continues to live his life the same as others his age, attending heavy metal concerts and playing tennis – 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.” 

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