Queen Victoria Hospital Charity: ‘Rebuilding Lives Together’

The Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is internationally recognised for its advanced burns treatment, specialist reconstructive surgery and expert therapy and rehabilitation services.

Importantly, the Queen Victoria Hospital Charity – founded back in 1996 – and the NHS Foundation Trust actively support children and adults who’ve experienced damage or disfigurement as a result of burns, cancer, trauma, major surgery, disease or congenital conditions.

With the backing of those who kindly make donations, the Queen Victoria Hospital Charity invests significant funds in:

*specialist and innovative equipment that helps to make care safer and more precise

*research and improvements that help teams to build on what works best

*practical, emotional and well-being support for patients and staff alike

*better care environments that are purpose-designed to feel calmer, more welcoming and more supportive

Case Study: Thomas

Within seconds, everything can change for an individual. Thomas (pictured, above) was not quite three years of age when he accidently pulled a hot cup of tea over himself, causing burn injuries down his chest.

The youngster was rushed to Brighton by ambulance where his burns were cleaned and dressed. He was then transferred to the Queen Victoria Hospital the following morning for ongoing treatment and care.

The clinical team looking after Thomas established that his burns were deep and, in some places, severe. Over the course of the next three weeks, his mother took him for regular outpatient appointments at the Queen Victoria Hospital and regular dressing changes. Eventually, it was decided that Thomas needed to have a skin graft to help him heal.

Thankfully, Thomas has since gone on to heal very well, but his scars will always be a permanent reminder of the burns he suffered as a child.

Life changes suddenly

For some people like Thomas, life can indeed change suddenly: through a burn, a complex trauma episode, cancer surgery or facial palsy. From that point on, it’s the steady and ongoing support of essential local services that matters most.

Whatever someone’s journey, the team working so diligently in East Grinstead firmly believes that every patient attending the Queen Victoria Hospital deserves care that’s expert, compassionate and centred on the whole person.

“As a small charity, with only two team members, your support can make a vital difference to rebuilding lives in the community,” explained Camilla Lane (head of fundraising and voluntary services).

There are various ways in which to donate towards or otherwise support the Queen Victoria Hospital Charity. Contact the fundraising team via e-mail at [email protected], telephone 01342 414392 or send correspondence to Queen Victoria Hospital Charity, Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3DZ.

We have also set up a special Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/wifsawards2026

*Further information is available online at www.supportqvh.org

Women in Fire Safety Awards 2026

The Women in Fire Safety Awards honour the outstanding achievements realised by the exceptional women working within the fire safety industry. Organised by the UK’s leading fire safety publication, Fire Safety Matters (published by Western Business Media), this awards scheme aims to further increase diversity across the industry.

The winners of the Women in Fire Safety Awards 2026 (for which the Headline Sponsor is Apollo Fire Detectors) will be announced on 15 October during a black-tie ceremony held at the Mercure London Earl’s Court Hotel and are co-located with the Women in Safety and Health Awards.

*Further information and booking details can be accessed online at www.womeninfiresafety.com