An interview with Burn Survivor, Amanda Redman MBE on our 25th Anniversary

As a young girl Amanda Redman MBE was experienced a burn injury affecting her whole body following an accident with a pot of boiling soup. From her lived experience, Amanda knows the impact a burn injury can have on a child and their family. As we mark 25 years of Children’s Burns Trust, we ask Amanda what this injury means to her life now and how it impacted her career.

When we spoke last back in 2019, you were filming a drama about mental health. What are some of the projects you’re most proud to have worked on?

New Tricks remains one of my proudest works. Dennis, Jimmy, Alun and I had such a wonderful time filming and working with the crew and the guest actors. I always look back on that with fond memories.

How do you feel conversations around visible difference and resilience in the public eye have changed since you first started speaking openly about your burn injury?

I think there’s been a real shift for the better here. You’ll always get some trolls on social media that make comments but on the whole, people are more accepting of visible differences and I think that’s great. There’s also a better representation of visible differences across the media now.

In 2019, you said your injury didn’t affect your teenage years much. Do you think young people today experience those challenges differently with the rise of social media?

Yes, I think so. Social media allows people to say things to people that they wouldn’t normally get away with saying in real life. There’s also a pressure on young people due to social media and the “picture of perfection” that they are exposed to from influencers and so on.

Looking back over your career, has your perspective on your injury – and how it shaped you – shifted in any way?

No, it hasn’t actually. I’ve never been shy to show off my arm. I don’t even notice it – it’s just a part of me.

As someone who speaks from lived experience, what advice would you give to a young burn survivor today?

Don’t be afraid to show off your scars. They are a part of you and they’re nothing to shy away from.

What would you say to encourage people and organisations to support the charity in its 25th anniversary year?

I think education about prevention of burns is incredibly important. The Children’s Burns Trust has done so much already to educate, inform and support, but there’s always more that can be done. By continuing to support the charity in its 25^th year, they can continue to educate and consequently help prevent burn injuries.

And finally, what about you – what keeps you busy these days?

I keep busy by working and spending time with my family – particularly with my new granddaughter, Cora.