I would like to draw your attention to a little known charity called RAFT (Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust). They are a reconstructive plastic surgery research charity devoted to advancing the care of patients with damage to their skin. This research focuses on repairing burns and other disfiguring skin injuries through the development of artificial skin, reducing or eliminating scarring and skin cancer prevention.

The charity was established in 1988 by a small group of plastic surgeons at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex. The desire was then, and is now, to marry clinical need with scientific research, thus giving hope to countless patients whose lives have been devastated by burns, accidents, cancers and trauma.

The founding surgeons were so committed to this cause that they used their own funds to set up raft’s early projects. Raft now relies totally on charitable donations to survive and carryout this vital work restoring people’s lives.

As a London fire fighter I have seen first hand the devastation caused to people’s lives due to fire, the material things we all hold so dear are easily replaced, but the injuries suffered are more devastating, painful and debilitating, often these injuries are highly visible and the scaring and pain can last a lifetime. Unfortunately it is very often children that suffer the most horrific injuries and have to travel the longest road to recovery.

I know we live in an age where there seems to be a never ending line of charitable organisations asking for donations, and their media departments have to come up with ever more inventive film clips or sound bites to grab our attention.

I don’t have these sorts of resources available, but what I do have is determination to succeed, compassion for my fellow man and a desire to help those in need.

If you would like to support my cause and donate to RAFT now, I have set up a page at JustGiving.com.