About Us
Find about the Burn Support Group and the people behind it!
Mission & Vision
We are dedicated to preventing burn injuries through education and advocacy, while providing comprehensive emotional support for survivors throughout their recovery journey. By building resilient communities where survivors feel understood, empowered, and connected, we transform experiences and create lasting positive change in their lives.
Our Story
The Burns Support Groups Charitable Trust began with a simple yet powerful idea: no one should face the journey of recovery from a burn injury alone. What started as a small group offering mutual support has grown into a nationwide network providing care, connection, and hope.
Our Board
We are committed to preventing burn injuries through education and advocacy, while providing comprehensive emotional support for those affected. Learn more about the people behind our mission by exploring our board, our story, and the work we do across Aotearoa.
Tributes
This space is dedicated to the incredible people whose lives have been touched by burn injuries — survivors, whānau, friends, and those we hold in loving memory. Through shared stories, messages, and reflections.
Our Story
A vision born from experience
When Delwyn Breslau’s eight-year-old son Brendon suffered burns to 40% of his body in a 1984 explosion in Papakura, Auckland, she couldn’t have known that her family’s tragedy would ignite a movement bringing hope to thousands.
During Brendon’s recovery, Delwyn started visiting burn survivors weekly at Middlemore Hospital. These visits revealed a crucial gap: while medical care focused on physical healing, survivors often faced their toughest challenges after leaving the hospital—adjusting to changes in appearance and coping with others’ reactions to their scars.
Delwyn realized that no one understood these struggles better than fellow survivors. She began connecting survivors with one another, creating bonds that offered unique understanding and support. The impact of these relationships was immediate and life-changing.
From kitchen table to national movement
What began as small gatherings in Delwyn’s home in 1987 has grown into a nationwide community of healing and hope. Today, our network includes over 1,500 survivors and supporters, weaving together shared experiences, collective wisdom, and steadfast support.
Our growth reflects both the deep need for our services and the powerful impact of survivor-to-survivor connection. From those early kitchen table conversations to our current operations with dedicated staff, our core belief remains the same: emotional healing is just as vital as physical recovery.
The journey of recovery
Burns are profoundly traumatic injuries that often impact every aspect of a survivor’s life. Beyond physical pain, survivors may experience losses of appearance, home, income, and sometimes even loved ones who were involved in the same incident. These multiple layers of grief occur alongside lengthy hospital stays and painful treatments.
When medical recovery ends, the emotional journey often becomes even more challenging. Survivors must come to terms with their changed reflection—the person in the mirror who looks different from who they’ve known their whole life. This process of self-acceptance happens while also facing public reactions: stares, questions, and sometimes hurtful comments from strangers. Many survivors describe feeling isolated even in crowded rooms, misunderstood by well-meaning friends, and anxious about social situations that were once easy.
What survivors need in these moments goes far beyond medical care:
Safe spaces to express grief, anger, and fear without judgment
Guidance from those who have faced similar challenges
Strategies for handling difficult social interactions and questions about their appearance
Support to rebuild self-identity and confidence
Tools to educate friends, family, and colleagues about their experience
Opportunities to reclaim joy, purpose, and connection in life
Our founder understood that true healing means addressing the whole person—not just the physical injury. By connecting survivors with others who truly understand, we create pathways to acceptance, resilience, and renewed purpose that medical care alone cannot provide.
A community of courage
Since our beginning, we’ve witnessed countless stories of incredible courage and resilience. Many survivors in our community have turned their painful experiences into sources of inspiration, sharing their journeys of perseverance and hope with others facing similar challenges.
These stories remind us that while we can’t always prevent suffering, we can ensure no one faces it alone. By connecting those who have walked similar paths, we create spaces where understanding grows, courage is celebrated, and healing becomes possible.
Our vision—a world where burn injuries are rare and every survivor feels empowered with hope, surrounded by compassion, and inspired to live with renewed courage—guides everything we do. Every day, we see this vision come to life through the strength, determination, and triumph of the survivors in our community.
Beyond support: A comprehensive approach
While survivor support remains at our core, our work now addresses the full range of burn-related challenges through a three-pillar approach:
Prevention: Reducing burn injuries through education and advocacy
Education: Raising awareness about burn safety and recovery
Care: Offering comprehensive emotional support throughout the recovery journey
Our Team
Behind the Burns Support Groups Charitable Trust is a dedicated and compassionate team committed to supporting burn survivors and their whānau every step of the way. From experienced support workers to passionate advocates, each team member brings a unique blend of knowledge, empathy, and commitment to helping individuals heal, recover, and rebuild their lives.
Our team works tirelessly to provide not only practical assistance and resources but also emotional encouragement and a strong sense of community. Together, we strive to create a safe, understanding environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
Chair
A visionary executive with a proven track record for enhancing customer experience and fostering stakeholder relationships, Amanda brings expertise in cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, and aligning service objectives with organisational goals. She is committed to leveraging these skills to amplify the impact of the Burns Support Group Charitable Trust and further its mission of supporting and empowering burn survivors.
Secretary
Priya arrived in New Zealand as a refugee from Sri Lanka in 1984, an experience that has shaped a deep empathy for individuals facing adversity and displacement. “This journey instilled in me a strong belief in the power of community support to help people navigate difficult times.” With a diverse cultural perspective, Priya is committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that people from all backgrounds feel heard and supported. She wants to give back to the community the support that helped their family call New Zealand their home.
Treasurer
Originally from Germany, Sabine moved to New Zealand in 2014 and has happily settled with her Kiwi husband and their two primary-school-aged children. Passionate about supporting young people, she has been actively involved in youth-focused initiatives. From 2014 to 2017, Sabine was a mentor with Project K, a 14-month program aimed at building confidence and life skills in Year 10 students. In her current role at Les Mills International, Sabine volunteered to be part of the Born to Move strategy team. This program is dedicated to promoting children’s health and well-being through physical activity.
Board Member
I’ve had a hands-on, wide-ranging career—working across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand in everything from commercial fishing to sales and running my own business. A motel fire in 2017 unexpectedly led me to represent a cutting-edge American fire alarm company and become involved with the Burn Survivors Charitable Trust, where I’ve proudly served on the board ever since. I’m passionate about making a difference, and outside of work, I’ve always loved water sports—especially SCUBA, freediving, and spearfishing—as well as the occasional rally car drive.
Board Member
Corinna Homer is a proven events and engagement specialist and has vast experience of using events for fundraising and engagement, for charities such as Cure Kids, Cancer Society of NZ, Big Buddy, and Melanoma NZ throughout her events production and radio career. A widow, Corinna lost her husband at age 43, suddenly due to a heart attack. Navigating this trauma and the impact on her and her then young children brings a level of empathy for those of which, and their families, that have had to go through a huge life change suddenly. Corinna’s background entails a BA (Soc Sc) and a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications
Board Member
I’m Cora Lawton. I’m a burn survivor, having sustained burns to my chest area from hot water when I was 18 months old. Over the last couple of years, I’ve been fortunate to attend the Women’s Retreat and several Survivor Sundays, and the support and connection I’ve found through the Burn Support Group has meant the world to me. It’s truly helped me throughout my life, and now I feel privileged to be in a position to give back. I’ve always had a passion for giving back to my community—whether it’s through coaching my son’s sports teams, leading our local scout group, or being an active member of the Waimauku Lions.
Board Member
Joshua, a practicing lawyer in the social justice space and a burn survivor, brings a combination of professional expertise and lived experience. Since their burn injury in 2011, Joshua has been connected with the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust and experienced the profound and positive impact of its work in the burn survivor community. Inspired by this, Joshua is dedicated to giving back by contributing their skills to the governance and direction of the Charitable Trust. With expertise in legal compliance, risk management, strategic planning, and problem-solving, Joshua is equipped to help the Charitable Trust fulfil its obligations.
Tributes
We deeply honour the strength, resilience, and courage of everyone affected by burn injuries — survivors, their whānau, those we have lost, and all who have generously participated in and supported our charity. This tribute space is dedicated to remembering their journeys, celebrating their lives, and reflecting on the powerful stories that continue to inspire and guide our work every day.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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….
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.
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
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.”
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…
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.
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.
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.
Annual Reports
** Important disclaimers about seeking medical help bla bla bla bla
When you receive a burn and if it is severe, Call 111!
Immediately run it under water for at least 20 minutes. Seek medical care.
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