Week 18 - Reuben Bear Campaign

A late one as I've been on holiday and this is slightly outside of my rules as it isn't a registered charity.  It was referred to me by my sister who is an occupational therapist specialising in burns.  I wasn't sure about including it but following my donation to Aspire last week it made sense.  After all, so many of these successful charities begin from small, personal stories.

In July of this year, young Reuben Harvey-Smith suffered a minor burn.  Three days later he was in intensive care, fighting for his life with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).  He lost parts of his fingers and had to have both legs amputated below the knee.  The campaign was started by his mother Lou to help raise money for the prosthetics Reuben will need as he grows up as well as other adaptable equipment.

Lou Harvey-Smith is also spearheading a campaign to raise awareness of the link between a simple sure and TSS and sepsis.  As well as Reuben's teddy bear stumps, this is where the BEAR comes into the campaign:

B - Burn.  Has the person recently suffered a burn?
E - Examine.  Are there signs of sepsis?  These can include a fever, flu-like symptoms and nausea.
A - Advice.  Attend A&E immediately as Toxic Shock Syndrome can be fatal.
R - Referrel.  If you are concerned about a burn that may be infected ask for a referral to a specialist burns unit immediately.

The fundraising link the the Reuben Bear Campaign is here.