Penola by the Sea Perth 2007

The retreat was held at Penola by the Sea in Shoalwater, Perth. I think I can speak for all the attendees that we all had a fantastic time. We all made knew friends and shared our experiences with each other. I must say that organising this retreat wasn’t easy from the other side of the country, but well worth it just to see everyone come together with the same issues and to be able to talk to another burn survivor is priceless.

So a big thank you to all of the attendees, I really do hope that you all got something out of it. I am a great believer that you only get out of it what you put into it. Without you guys the Peter Hughes BURN Foundation could not run the Retreat Program. There are so many people that I have to thank, but firstly to Chris who actually organized the accommodation. You are a real champion Chris, Penola by the Sea was perfect; A big thank you from the BFA family.

A special thanks to Sister Leonie, Sister Denise, Sister Catherine and the cooks who cooked the most beautiful meals for us. Your friendship will be valued forever and who knows we may just get back there one day. Another big thank you to Steve Williams from the Canadian Burn Foundation who travelled all the way from Canada, You shared so much with all of us. You are not only a Burn Survivor but also a Counsellor who listened to all of us in group sessions and also private sessions.

Thank you to Dr Frank Li from Concord Burns Unit for volunteering your time. Not only did Frank help out in the physiotherapy department but also shared his life experiences in our group sessions. Frank is to be admired not only for patience, but also for his generosity of his personal time.

Emma who came along as a Volunteer nurse was a delight to have as part of our group. Emma has written some lovely poems at the retreat Emma’s Poems. Thank you so much Emma! Your patience and kindness was much appreciated; you will make a FANTASTIC nurse when you finish your degree.

It was not all about discussing issues a burn survivor goes through, there was time to let down your hair and to have some fun. Special guests were Sister Act they sang some of their favourite tunes and Frank Li got some special attention. Go to the Gallery page and see what the Sisters got up too.

Grazi Lisciotto

CEO

Peter Hughes BURN Foundation