This episode contains strong language and discussions of sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. These conversations may be distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to seek support. You can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org. Please listen mindfully and prioritise your well-being.

In this powerful episode, Simon and Rusty are joined by Polly Brooks (Miller) MBE, founder of Dan’s Fund for Burns, to share her extraordinary journey of survival and resilience following the 2002 Bali bombings. Losing her husband and close friends, and sustaining life-changing burns herself, Polly transformed tragedy into purpose by creating a charity that has supported thousands of burn survivors across the UK. They explore the role of community, family, and personal rituals in healing, and the strength found in taking action despite immense adversity.

Polly founded and continues to lead the charity, providing practical, emotional, and financial support to adult burn survivors. Since its creation, the charity has raised millions, funded specialist NHS roles and equipment, and built national peer-support networks - all driven by Polly’s dedication to improving the lives of those affected by burns.

Visit https://dansfundforburns.org/ for more information

In this episode:

• Polly’s Story: Surviving the Bali bombings and the immediate aftermath of the attack.
• The Long Road to Recovery: Physical rehabilitation, emotional healing, and rebuilding life after trauma.
• From Tragedy to Purpose: The inspiration behind founding Dan’s Fund for Burns.
• Building a Charity from the Ground Up: Early challenges and milestones in creating nationwide support.
• Community and Family in Healing: The vital role of relationships in recovery and resilience.
• Supporting Burn Survivors Today: Grants, peer-support networks, and practical assistance provided by the charity.
• Rituals, Reflection, and Living with Loss: How Polly honours loved ones while continuing forward.
• The Ripple Effect of Compassion: How one act of purpose can transform thousands of lives.
• Lessons in Resilience: Insights on facing adversity and maintaining hope.
• Looking Ahead: Polly’s ongoing mission and the future vision for burn survivor support in the UK.

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