Inspirational Stories & Tributes
Inspirational Stories
There are many ways that you can get a burn
John McDermott
John McDermott is a Taupō builder and burns survivor who endured a life-altering accident in 2022 when a fire-lighting mishap resulted in burns to 40% of his body. After 13 weeks in hospital, 15 surgeries, and a long road to recovery, John now shares his story to raise awareness and support others through the Burn Support Charitable Trust. His strength, humility, and deep love for his family continue to inspire everyone who hears his journey.
Angelique Barnes
I was just 14 months old when I fell into a bath of scalding water. I suffered third-degree burns on my body. That moment changed everything. It marked the start of a lifetime of skin grafts, surgeries, and slow, painstaking healing—not just of skin, but of spirit. But here's the truth: my scars never defined me. If anything, they’ve become one of the most powerful things about me. They speak to strength. To resilience. To growth I earned the hard way. My parents gave me a gift early on: they never let my scars take centre stage. We only talked about them when surgery came around. The rest of the time? Life was for living. Not for dwelling. Not for wishing. Just getting on with it. And honestly, what would be the point in wishing things were different? Unless someone invents a sci-fi medical wand to magically smooth it all away, my skin is mine. It’s been through something. So I decided to own it. That decision shaped everything.
Because I didn’t treat my scars like a flaw, no one else did either. Confidence has a way of rewriting the room. The energy you show up with tells people how to meet you. I learned early: when you lead with who you are—open, unfiltered, unafraid—people see you. Not your history. Not your scars. Just you.
I grew up adventurous, quick to laugh, and unwilling to let anything hold me back. I didn’t need ink to tell my story—my skin already did. These marks are not a burden. They’re my record of survival. They show what I’ve endured, what I’ve overcome, and who I’ve become. I never saw them as something to hide. They’re part of me, and I carry them with pride. And so, I lived. I played sport. I went to university. I launched businesses. I chased down dreams—and a few very good-looking distractions along the way. I chose movement over fear, joy over self-doubt. My life has never been about what held me back. It’s about what pulled me forward.
Today, my proudest achievements aren’t framed on a wall—they’re the ones I hold closest: my beautiful family, and a husband who knows me, sees me, and loves every part of me. I know how lucky I am. Not just to have survived—but to have healed young, and deeply. That emotional freedom gave me space to grow into myself. Fully. Fiercely. Authentically. I never waited for perfect timing or perfect circumstances. Because life doesn’t wait. And neither do I.
Jovana Stankovic
My name is Jovana Stankovic and I am privileged enough to have gone to Camp Awhi since I was nine years old. In 2017 I was severely burnt by a treadmill, and did not realise this support for children like me existed until I was asked to join in 2019, which I gladly accepted. I vividly remember my first camp in Napier being the highlight of my year, and it still continues to be even seven camps later. Furthermore, I was lucky enough to be one of the two children chosen to attend the Kids Foundation camp in Brisbane, Australia, which was my first time going. This healthy environment blossomed friendships and experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life, and wouldn’t have experienced without the Burn Support Charitable Trust providing this kind of opportunity for me. When I graduate in 2028 I plan to give back the support I was given by becoming a volunteer leader and helping look after future campers.
Vinesh Samy
My name is Vinesh Samy, I have been a burn survivor for 7 years. I live in Hillsborough, Auckland. I am a painter by profession and do small jobs. I was burnt in September 2018 when I was 45 years old. I had 3 degree burns to half my body, full face 65% burns. I was in a coma for 1 month. Later shifted to the burns unit. After 6 months in hospital, I was able to find a place to stay. It was a big adjustment having to change the way I lived my new normal. It involved moisturizing 3 times a day, wearing pressure garments, and splints on my hands. Pressure garments were something out of nightmares, horrible to wear especially during summer weather. I was supported by the team of new Healthcare, helping me shower, moisturize morning and evening. Surgeries are ongoing, release of both my left and right elbows, fingers, and I hated wearing splints. I was also attending the hospital gym once a week, physical exercise keeping movement of my body. I am thankful to my surgeons for all the work done by the team. It was difficult to face the public with my burnt face but there was a lot of support from the burns OT team. Friends gave me more confidence. People still stare all the time when I walk in public. Sometimes it aggravates me and other times it doesn’t. New people ask questions when they see, what happened? Others don’t bother. So, I let myself face the public, everyone reacts differently, and you learn to expect it.
My old company, whom I was painting with before the accident, supported me a lot, saved me, gave me confidence and small jobs kept me busy. Later I found a friend who helped me, and I helped him. Also, there was a fishing trip organised by the Burn Support Group. It was fun and it meant meeting new friends. I can’t really hide away from the public and their stares, I love to talk, and I've learnt to be happy listening to others. I really like to hear about other people who are like me.
Tributes
There are many ways that you can get a burn
In Memoriam – Doreen Akrigg
Fifth April 2024, saw the passing of one very dear and longstanding fundraiser, and supporter of our charity, 96 year old, Doreen Akrigg.
When her then 8 year old grandson, Ben Cotton was burned in 1988, Doreen took it upon herself to organise regular ‘Knit and Natter’ groups in her home, and held knitting stalls with burn survivor, Helen Hall, at Middlemore Hospital and outside supermarkets all around Auckland.
She held these stalls for many years which raised many thousands of dollars for us.
Her staunch dedication and passion became instrumental in giving our charity the solid financial foundation it has today, and for this we will be forever grateful.
Rest in Peace dear Doreen, your efforts for the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust will never be forgotten.
Farewell – Jim Kayes
Best wishes, and our deepest appreciation of your tremendous support
Sadly, we farewell Jim Kayes as the Charity Ambassador for the past 5 years.Jim has volunteered his time, skills, personality and wonderful character for many events over the years. The Charity has been extremely fortunate to have Jim host, share his story, create much laughter and guest speak at the Children’s Camps, Survivor Sundays and fundraisers…
After some reflection Jim had to come to the decision that his life is busy, as a father of two, a high profile personality, something had to give. The Burn Support Group wishes to acknowledge all that Jim has contributed. As a Charity we feel privileged that you have supported above and beyond the burn survivor community during your time.
It has been a pleasure to meet you, hear your stories and it is contagious to be around your positive attitude.
On behalf of the Burn Support Charitable Trust, we wish Jim and his family all the very best for the future and his further endeavours.
Thank you to Linda
The Burn Support Charitable Trust wishes to acknowledge and express our deepest appreciation to Linda Legge, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Kidz First Hospital, for the past 15 years working with burn survivors from throughout New Zealand.
Linda spent 37 years working for Counties as a dedicated nurse alongside her peers. For the past 7 years Linda has been a great support towards the Charity involved in many of the initiatives provided to Kidz First that will benefit and enhance rehabilitation during the hospital stay.
Linda’s input has been invaluable and we thank you sincerely for your time and contribution.
Linda has resigned from her role, earning well deserved time with her family,
From the Trustees, Board Members and staff at Burn Support Group we wish you all the best for your future endeavours and what life has in store for you!
Kerrie Rutherford
It is with great regret and sadness that we accept the resignation of our Board Member, Trustee and Treasurer, Kerrie Rutherford.
We have been the fortunate recipient of Kerrie’s expertise, not only as an ‘Office Volunteer’ (2016), but also when she subsequently utilised her well honed financial and business skills, using them to the max in her later roles within our charity, totally upgrading and revamping our recording systems.
Kerrie not only devoted untold hours in doing this, but her professionalism has also been greatly appreciated in designing the graphics for our special events, plus voluntarily supporting Michele at our last two annual Women’s Retreats.
Her wealth of skills, combined with her compassion and empathy for our burn survivors has been invaluable in assisting us provide a high continuum of care for the special needs of those within our charity.
We will miss you so much Kerrie, but totally understand your current commitments and wish only the very best for you and your future endeavours.
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you, Bert (May 2021)
The Burn Support Charitable Trust wishes to acknowledge and thank Mr Albert Alfred Chant (known as Bert) for his generous and kind bequest left to contribute and support the Burn Community throughout New Zealand.
Our sincere appreciation to the extended family for this wonderful gesture and thoughtfulness.
Alan Jeffry Breslau
This year saw the passing of a true gentleman.
On behalf of the Burn Support Charitable Trust we remember, with much fondness and appreciation, the wonderful dignified, witty, charming, passionate, dedicated life that we have all had the privilege to share with Alan Breslau.
Words alone cannot express the extensive journey Alan has shared globally, touching the lives and hearts of so many fortunate people.
Alan’s talents, pioneer foresight with compassion and empathy shall never be forgotten, his well deserved accolades and awards always the reminder of this beautiful man’s achievements.
Alan will be missed by many, but remembered by all.
Burn Support Group Charitable Trust NZ.
We are deeply saddened to share that our founder, leader, encourager, and friend Alan Breslau passed away on 26 November 2020.
Alan was deeply loved by the burn community. His strong dedication, long term commitment, and unwavering desire to help others made him truly one of a kind.
Alan built the opportunity for the survivors around the world to connect, find healing, and learn to survive and thrive again.
Please keep Delwyn Breslau and their family in your thoughts at this time.
Phoenix Society Team/ USA, Amy Acton
Tribute to Alan
…“What a Man”…
I could talk about how Alan was born in New York and that he graduated in Music, Arts and Chemical engineering while specializing in Plastic’s … but I won’t… Alan would have hated that word… “WONT”
…“What a Man”…
I could also talk about how Alan was the Technical director of two very large plastic’s company’s in New York and Hong Kong and that he had written many chapters for books and resource papers in regards to polymers, plastic’s and resins and that he had also written and published two of his own books on his life experiences from the time of his plane crash, good, bad, and indifferent… But I’m not going to.
…“What a Man”…
I should also talk about Alan’s Plane crash on July 2, 1963 when the Mohawk 449 plane he was traveling in crash landed beside a runway during a tornado near Lake Ontario, New York. His accident and his life since is well documented in his books, articles and spoken about by many. A story that has helped so many and will continue to do so.
But I’m not going to talk about this.
I should talk about Alans role in setting up, and being the founding father of the Phoenix Society for Burns Survivors, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I could talk about the first World Burns Congress that the Phoenix Society for Burns Survivors held where Delwyn was invited as a guest speaker. They obviously made quite an impact on each other … leading them to the alter and an exciting new journey together.
… Yeah Alan, You’re the Man… !!
I should talk about how many awards Alan and Delwyn have received over the years including their very own award, “The Breslau Award” and “The Local Heroes Award” for the tireless work they have done for Burn Survivors Internationally…
In 2016 Alan was up against Rodney Wayne, I found this particularly funny as Alan didn’t have any hair and I have always wondered what the conversation between Rodney Wayne and Alan Breslau would have been on that night.
I’d like to talk about the time I meet Alan and the next 8 years of his and Delwyn’s life… the fond memories, banter and small talk that I had with Alan.
The first time I met Alan was him behind a piano.
I knew who he was and had heard about him… then… ‘I heard him’… Alan was a fine pianist and every time there was a piano in the room he would usually end up sitting in front of the keys.
There was a gleam in his eye as he headed in the piano’s direction, an acknowledgement that hey I’m here and it won’t be long!
My daughter, Jorja, is a burn survivor and I meet Alan and Delwyn through the children’s camps they attended here in New Zealand. Delwyn as founder and Alan as patron of the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust. Alan and Delwyn have helped so many people national and internationally through their tireless work in burn support, burn management, fundraising and giving back with their big hearts. It didn’t matter of your background or past, if you needed any help, in healing scars externally or internally these were your ‘go to’ people… “Oh and the Talking Stick!”
I was lucky enough, as president of the burn support group charitable trust to be flown to the world Burns congress in Dallas 2017 and Grand Rapids 2018, this is where I learned how much of a “Rockstar” Alan was… In Dallas we were in a room with over 1000 people and each of them had been brought there because of one man… this man however, had a fall at home 24 hours prior to flying out and had broken his collar bone unbeknown to those at congress. Everyone wanted to shake Alan’s hand. Obviously Delwyn did her best to stop people, but Alan kept putting out his hand to great old friends and make new ones in true ‘Rockstar Fashion’. Our New Zealand Contingent cringed every time someone went in for a firm handshake. Alan also played the piano during the Talent Show during this World Burns Congress with his broken collar bone.
In Dallas I also learnt how much Alan liked BBQ’d meat. We had a meal at Lockhart’s BBQ Smoke House, one of the oldest smokehouses in Dallas Texas. Not only did Alan like BBQ meat he had a passion for puddings and desserts… he really did like his sweet treats.
Alan never minced his words and didn’t beat around the bush in what he wanted to say. It didn’t matter where you were at the time… in an AGM or in a hotel corridor. If something was on his mind, he got it out. It was always a pleasure to sit down and have a chat. I wish that I had got to spend more time with him, I would have asked more questions, I really wanted to know more about Plastics and Polymers! Alan was always willing to give you the time of day for a decent discussion and chat.
I remember asking Alan why he likes wearing the dark sunglasses, his response was, it makes me look cool. He advised me one day that as he had only one working eye it can move around further and he could see more out of the corner of his eye… more than most people. A lot of people didn’t know this little party trick.
In Grand Rapids we visited the newly renovated Phoenix Society head office. On Google maps it only looked like a only a few blocks away, so being a lovely day we walked. I pushed Alan in his wheel chair and Alan kept saying, “why are you going so slow?” Wow it was like pushing Michael Schumacher in a wheelchair. Thank you, George for picking Alan and Delwyn up when we had finished our visit, so the rest of us could have a nice casual stroll back to the hotel.
Alan was more than welcoming to talk to young burn survivors and share his expertise and guidance in a way that they not only listened, but understood that everyone has a story. It was always easy to share with Alan. Myself include with my own story, with the magic help of the “Talking Stick”.
The funniest moment I’ve had with Alan and Delwyn would have been at a burns camp in Albany when Delwyn, in true Delwyn style, came out and said, “I don’t want to alarm anyone, but has anyone seen Alans ear?” Alan has lost his ear! This is something you don’t hear every day – excuse the pun – and I probably would never hear again – pun intended!
There have been so many messages on social media and the out pouring of loss of Alan’s life and the love to Delwyn. What people on Social media have been saying about Alan really reflects himself and his personality and we can all relate here are just a few.
A legend.
A truly amazing man.
A man who truly made a difference.
A golden heart stopped beating.
Inspired many for strength and healing.
A Life fully lived.
A true legacy and inspiration.
He made a difference.
A victor of circumstances.
This man leaves a lasting impact on us all.
….”What a Man”….
Carol Mayer
The Burn Support Charitable Trust wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Mayer family, and to our Australian friends you have had the privilege of having met the amazing Carol Mayer.
Carol attended 2019 Women’s Burn Retreat where we were to meet an incredibly inspiring, courageous woman who was as real as they come, with a desire and yearn to support, educate and care for burn survivors within the community.
Carol will always be remembered for her smile, her generous heart and the ability to make everyone feel beautiful.
R.I.P CAROL, you’ll always be in our hearts….
Thank you to the family of Georgena Frances Moran
In October 2020 a very kind and generous legacy was donated to the Burn Support Charitable Trust.
This large donation enables the events in place to continue and gives opportunity to expand on new projects.
June 2020
After many years, The Burn Support Group Charitable Trust has received notification that our dedicated, wonderful, Jan Steele has resigned as a Board member and Trustee of the BSGCT.
Although, now not technically holding a role, Jan will always be a part of our whanau.
Her devotion to the BSGCT began in 1988 and during her very long tenure with the Charity she held such roles as Vice President, Trustee, Minutes Secretary and Treasurer.
For over 30 years she has dedicated her time to supporting burn survivors in New Zealand, affecting countless lives in the process.
There is no doubt that the impact she made has had a permanent impact on the Charity, and we are so very fortunate to have had someone with that love and dedication.
The Burn Support Group’s success today is a direct result of Jan’s hard work and commitment to burn survivor support.
Our sincerest thanks to you, Jan.
Nick Nielson
President
Former burns nurse reflects on more than 33 years on the job
18 June 2019 | Techniques for nursing burns patients have changed dramatically in the years since Jan Steele first started working at Middlemore Hospital.
Ms Steele, who recently retired from her role as a nurse at the Auckland Regional and National Burns service after 33 and a half years, says patients used to be bathed daily in lux flakes.
“Then it went to baby shampoo, then salt, and then Dermaveen which created a bath that looked like porridge,” she says.
In earlier times, these baths occurred with some pain relief for patients but not with the attendance of an anaesthetist. In those days up to three staff were required to assist in the process. Ms Steele remembers the first time an anaesthetist was called before a patient was bathed.
“We booked the anaesthetist in. He was a lovely man. He said he’d be there at a set time and would expect a coffee, a donut and a chocolate fish. He just about fell over when he arrived and was presented with exactly that,” she says, adding the team provided said refreshments every time the anaesthetist attended the unit from then on.
Wound care products have improved since that time – and patients thankfully undergo fewer dressing changes and baths.
Reflecting over her years at the service which treats the most severe burns in the country, Ms Steele says it was a privilege to work with the patients.
“Looking back, you share the journey with the patient. When they have a good day, you have a good day. They come into hospital and you don’t know them from a bar of soap. They trust us with their life.”
She acknowledges it takes a special kind of person to work with people who are in such a vulnerable time of their lives.
“We’ve got to know when to display empathy and sympathy, but at the same time they’ve got to be rehabilitated. Rehabilitation begins from the time of their injury and involves surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists, but ultimately it is the patient who determines the end result,’ she says.
Factors such as wearing pressure garments and splints, doing prescribed exercises, and keeping skin moisturised are all important and sometimes patients need to be pushed to persist with physiotherapy, even when it is uncomfortable.
“It really is a case of being cruel to be kind.”
Ms Steele says she treated all patients equally, regardless of the seriousness of their burns. It has been rewarding seeing former inpatients return to the service for various appointments.
“On my last day a patient that I had nursed years before came back to the unit and donated a computer for the dayroom in appreciation of the care I gave him and other patients. That was very humbling for me,” she says.
Now enjoying a slower paced life with her husband in the Coromandel, Ms Steel says she couldn’t have asked for a better working place.
“It is a wonderful place. You can make such a difference.”
Pete Sharp
August 2019 | It is with regret Pete Sharp has had to resign from the Board.
Pete has been a fabulous President for the past two years and all of us connected to the Burn Support Group wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.
Pete has been instrumental in the Charity moving ahead with his great leadership qualities, his ability to connect with the burn community and his invaluable input to all new and exciting initiatives.
From all of us that have the privilege of working alongside you, you will be greatly missed…
Toni MacLeod
Burn Support Group offers condolences to Toni MacLeod (pictured right) who’s husband, Harold MacLeod (commonly known as Mac), sadly passed away on 7 March 2018.
Toni has always been extremely supportive of the Burn Support Group, offering her services wherever necessary.
Thank you, Toni, for everything you do and our thoughts go out to you at this time.
George Stephen
The Burn Support Charitable Trust would like to offer our deepest condolscenses to George Stephens‘ family. George passed away on 6 November 2017.
George held the position of President and Trustee from 2010 until his resignation in 2013.
George was extremely well respected and held in high esteem by all those that came into contact with him.
RIP George.
Rosemary Barling
We would like to extend our well wishes to Rosemary Barling for her exciting new future with her family down Nelson.
Rosemary has been part of the Burn Support Group since 1993, joining as a Board Member, until her role as Secretary of the Minutes.
Thank you for your dedication and support, Rosemary, you will be fondly missed.