First Survivor Sunday of 2023, a very exciting morning as we watched burn survivor JUDY HOHAIA leap from 13000ft, making her way down in a tandem SKY JUMP. A perfect day for such an experience, Judy couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she achieved one of her lifetime wishes. A big thank you to those that attended in support of Judy. Followed with a light lunch the lively group chatted and shared in Judy’s achievement. Burn Support Group would like to express their gratitude to all those that made this experience take place. The many that donated to this cause, it is truly wonderful and has given Judy a most amazing opportunity. To Sky Jump Auckland, the team were amazing! Thank you sincerely for all the support and the wonderful professional services you provide. A special mention to Jo Austin, Marketing Manager for assisting in making this project take place. Next Burn Survivor Sunday will take place on 25 June 2023. Details to be confirmed.

New Zealand welcomed Australian, John Weeks, burn survivor, winemaker and author of his new book, ‘Living without fingerprints’. It was a privilege and honour for the Burn Support Group to welcome John on his visit down under. Spending three weeks circulating the country promoting his fabulous new book, involving presentations, interviews and a well received Survivor Sunday. John shared his incredible journey as a burn survivor, spoke of his challenges, the trauma surrounding the incident and how he now looks at life as part 2 of his story. Through his own amazing photography offered in his book he is able to express the emotional and physical attributes during 12 months stay in hospital. The Burn Support Group would like to extend our many thanks to those that supported this project, it is invaluable to raise the awareness of burns, they do not discriminate and can affect not only the individual but all loved ones surrounding and even more importantly the direction that can be changed relating to finances, life styles and impending futures. Our sincere appreciation to: THE ROCK RADIO, EASTFM RADIO, HOWICK LIBRARY, HOWICK ROTARY CLUB, THE BREEZE RADIO WAIKATO, WAIKATO HOSPITAL WARD 7, EMERGE AOTEAROA, WARKWORTH LIBRARY, HUTT HOSPITAL, SIMPLE CAR HIRE and to the amazing team at HOMELAND RESTAURANT, AUCKLAND, special mention to Chef PETER GORDON and MC JIM KAYES. Also acknowledging MELISSA PATERSON and her family for hosting John at their Auckland home! We wish John all the very best with his book and all the very exciting chapters to come for him. On behalf of the Trustees, Board members and Michele, we hope you enjoyed your stay as much as we were inspired, encouraged and grateful to you for your time and passion. For those that are interested in purchasing John’s book, please contact the office where arrangements can be made.