Katie Piper Foundation

The Katie Piper Foundation is the UK’s burns rehabilitation charity, supporting burns survivors and those living with traumatic scarring to rebuild their lives after injury.

Founded in 2009 by burns survivor and broadcaster Katie Piper OBE, the charity was created to address the gaps in rehabilitation and ongoing support that many survivors face once their hospital treatment ends. While physical wounds may heal, the emotional and psychological impact of a burn injury can last a lifetime.

The Foundation provides specialist rehabilitation and psychological support to help people regain confidence, improve wellbeing and reconnect with the world around them. Through rehabilitation programmes, therapy, peer support and family-focused services, survivors are supported at every stage of their recovery journey.

This programme highlights three key areas of the Foundation’s work. We meet Aimee, who received physical rehabilitation support following a devastating fire; Jamie, who found hope and renewed confidence through psychological support more than 30 years after his accident; and Sal and his wife Mia, whose lives were transformed through specialist support for both survivors and their families.

Their stories demonstrate that recovery from a burn injury is about far more than physical healing. It is about rebuilding confidence, overcoming isolation, improving mental wellbeing and finding hope for the future.

The Katie Piper Foundation believes that no burns survivor should have to face recovery alone. By providing life-changing support and creating a community of understanding, the charity helps survivors and their families navigate the challenges of life after burns and move forward with confidence.

In August 2020, Aimee's life changed forever when she was seriously injured in a devastating fire, sustaining burns to 58.5% of her body. She spent a prolonged period in hospital and faced an extensive rehabilitation journey as she adapted to life after her injuries.

Determined to regain her independence, Aimee set herself an ambitious goal: to return to playing golf, a sport she had loved before her accident. Through support from the Katie Piper Foundation, including physiotherapy, psychotherapy, online rehabilitation and a stay at the charity's specialist rehabilitation centre, she worked tirelessly to rebuild her physical strength and confidence.

Just ten months after her accident, Aimee returned to competitive golf, achieving something many thought would not be possible. Today, she continues to look towards the future with optimism and determination.

Aimee's story demonstrates the life-changing impact of specialist rehabilitation and highlights how the Katie Piper Foundation helps burns survivors regain strength, confidence and control after life-altering injuries.

Jamie was just 14 years old when he was severely burned in an accident involving an exploding motorbike. Although he survived, the physical and emotional impact of his injuries remained with him for decades.

For more than 30 years, Jamie struggled with the appearance of his scars. He avoided situations where they might be seen, including swimming and family holidays, and felt unable to speak openly about his experiences. When he first contacted the Katie Piper Foundation, he was looking for practical ways to conceal his scars, but instead discovered a pathway to emotional support and recovery.

Through the charity's specialist rehabilitation programme, Jamie met other burns survivors for the first time and found an environment of understanding and acceptance. Alongside psychological support, he received help to address physical challenges he had lived with for many years.

Jamie's story highlights the long-term impact that burn injuries can have on mental wellbeing and demonstrates how specialist rehabilitation and psychological support can help survivors rebuild confidence, connection and hope, even decades after their injuries.

In 2018, Sal suffered devastating chemical burns when acid from another vehicle was spilled during a road traffic accident while he was visiting family in Yemen. The injuries left him with significant sight loss and required months of hospital treatment, including multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery.

The impact of the accident was felt not only by Sal but also by his wife, Mia, who supported him through some of the most difficult moments of his recovery. Together, they faced the emotional and practical challenges that life after a serious burn injury can bring.

When Sal was referred to the Katie Piper Foundation, he attended the charity's specialist rehabilitation centre, where he received physical rehabilitation, personal training and wellbeing support designed to help him rebuild his confidence and independence. Mia was also able to access support as a family member and play an active role in his recovery journey.

Their story demonstrates how burn injuries affect entire families and highlights the importance of providing support not only to survivors, but also to the loved ones who help them navigate life after trauma.