Burns survivor Catrin Pugh looks forward to helping others in 2022

2021 was a busy year for Catrin Pugh, from Rossett.

She graduated with a first class honours degree in physiotherapy from King’s College, London, started a job with The Katie Piper Foundation, and worked as a mentor to actress Fiona Wade for Emmerdale's powerful storyline about a burns survivor.

Catrin Pugh.

And 2022 looks like being another year of achievements, with Catrin dedicated to support other people with burns or with visible differences.

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Catrin, 27, said: "Lined up in 2022 I'll be getting my head down with the new physiotherapy job at The Katie Piper Foundation, trying to make a tangible change in the lives of fellow burns survivors.

"Additionally I'll be continuing to crop up on TV and adverts, hopefully continuing the push towards the inclusion of people with visible differences is everyday media and brands.

"I remember feeling isolated and outcast as someone who looked different so getting involved in exciting projects will diversify the world further, to become a kinder, safer place for everyone.

Actress Fiona Wade with mentor Catrin Pugh. Image: Fiona Wade/Twitter

Asked what she would like to see in 2022, Catrin hoped to see more kindness during a time that has been difficult for us all.

Catrin said: "In general I'd like to see more kindness and compassion in 2022. I think the past two years have been trying for everyone.

"Whilst we seem to be coming out the other side, people still have their own daily battles to cope with, so lets continue to be mindful of that and support each other.

Catrin was just 19 when she was involved in a coach crash near Alpe D’Huez in France back in 2013.

Catrin suffered 96 per cent burns - her chance of survival was given as one in a thousand.

Catrin, 27, spent more than eight months in hospital following the crash and was in a coma for three of those.

Catrin has defied the odds and following more than 200 operations and procedures, she uses her own experiences to be an advocate for those with visible differences..

About her job with The Katie Piper Foundation, she said: “When I started getting better and working out what to do with my life after my accident, the only thing I knew I wanted to achieve was to make a difference for future survivors. I started by giving motivational talks and providing peer support to others, working with charities and being honest about my journey. But I wanted to do more…

“I’m absolutely elated to have secured my first physiotherapy job with a charity who were there for me from the beginning.

“We provide rehabilitation and other supportive services to survivors of burns and traumatic scarring, giving each and every one of them the opportunity to enhance their future and thrive in whatever way they want to.

“As a survivor myself, I know how crucial this service is and I cannot wait to work with such a committed, caring team. I look forward to enhancing lives not only through speaking out on here and in the media about my own journey, but by actually being a part of the recovery of survivors!"