Third degree burns survivor launches Hemel Hempstead charity match after 'horrific accident'
A woman who suffered third degree burns is launching a charity event in Hemel Hempstead to honour the emergency services who assisted her during the ‘horrific’ incident.
Susan Pepperell has arranged a charity football match at Hemel Hempstead Town FC's Vauxhall Road ground.
On June 28, the club is hosting a game where proceedings will go towards the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Susan, who is from Hemel Hempstead, wants to honour the role firefighters played in allowing her to recover from severe burns she suffered two years ago.
She says that a garden table top lantern, which contained bioethanol fluid, exploded in her face during what she described as a “horrific accident”. “I inhaled the fumes, it set me on fire. I sustained 39% third degree burns to my upper body and face,” Susan explains.
First on the scene were the ‘green watch’ team from the local fire service who attended to her wounds whilst an air ambulance and paramedics were en route.
She was rushed to Stoke Mandeville Hospital and has previously praised the work that doctors and staff at the NHS facility completed during her long recovery.
Susan said: “I was taken to A&E and I was met by the doctors and a plastic surgeons team. From there, I was admitted to intensive care for a week and then to the burns unit where I stayed for five weeks.
"During my stay I had four long surgeries, blood transfusions and grafts. I was tube fed and heavily bandaged and on high doses of medication to control my pain. Since my discharge from the unit I have had four more surgeries including laser surgery, z plasty surgery, and skin graft across my throat with more surgeries to follow. I have also been having regular physiotherapy sessions and a few weeks of hydrotherapy.”
Last year, she led a series of fundraising events for the Stoke Mandeville Hospital burns unit, including a raffle and charity ride. Susan, plus family and friends, completed a bike ride from Stoke Mandeville Hospital to The Red Lion pub in Nash Mills and raised nearly £5,000.
"The firefighters and some doctors from Stoke Mandeville Hospital will be playing and are all very excited now the event is getting nearer and we also have nurses and consultants who cared for me during my stay coming to support them all,” Susan added. “Rain or shine we will be there so come and join in and show your support for our valued unsung heroes.”
A DJ has also been booked for the event and fire engines and equipment will also be on show for guests to take a look at and interact with. Food, drink, and ice cream will be available to purchase during the match.
Susan explained that a charity football match was chosen as the next event after discussions with the fire crew who supported her. She also expressed her thanks to Hemel Hempstead Town FC chairman for okaying the event. Ticketing information can be found online with adult entry costing £10.