Today (13 November), The Countess of Wessex as Patron of the Scar Free Foundation, officially opened the Centre for Conflict Wound Research at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. This first military and civilian wound research centre of its kind in the world is aiming to minimise the psychological and physical impact of scarring among armed forces personnel and civilians wounded in terrorist attacks.
The Scar Free Foundation Centre for Conflict Wound Research is a ground-breaking national facility that marks a vital step in achieving the charity’s goal of achieving scar free healing within a generation. At the opening, CASEVAC Club (private club for wounded vets from Ops TELIC/HERRICK) members and Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s clinicians shared their stories with media.
Brendan Eley, Chief Executive of the Scar Free Foundation, said: “The physical and emotional effects of scarring are serious and often life changing. Our aim is to deliver scar free healing within a generation by establishing a pioneering programme of medical research in the UK. The launch of this centre is an important part of achieving our goal, and by working with world leading experts, scientists, and researchers, we are discovering revolutionary new treatments that will transform the lives of millions worldwide.”
“The Scar Free Foundation Centre for Conflict Wound Research has been established in partnership withthe University of Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England, and The CASEVAC injured veterans club. Crucially, the centre will be closely integrated with a wider network of academic and clinical institutions in the UK and beyond to ensure that the work is inclusive and at the forefront of scarring research.”
The Scar Free Foundation is a medical research charity with a 15 year track record of raising and investing funds in wound healing, burns and cleft research. To learn more about today’s opening and centre itself, visit this link, and also this. For BBC reportage click here.
Afterwards, HRH visited Miss Macaroon in Birmingham. Miss Macaroon provides premium hand-made gluten-free French macaroons. It’s the only patisserie in the world to be able to Pantone match macaroons exactly to the brand or wedding colours. Indulgence is also a virtue at Miss Macaroon as they reinvest all of their profits in training and employing long term unemployed young people in retail and catering.
photo courtesy of Miss Macaroon (@iammissmacaroon) shared via Twitter
Rosie Ginday – Miss Macaroon Founder: “I created Miss Macaroon because I wanted to create a social enterprise business that combined my passion for premium quality food – born from my training as a high-end pastry chef at University College Birmingham -and my work in Michelin starred restaurant Purnell’s in Birmingham.”
“But I also wanted to provide opportunities for young people seeking a career and to build confidence in themselves. My ultimate aim was to help youngsters break into a highly competitive industry while providing moments of sublime indulgence for my customers, who through buying our macaroons, are helping many young people to achieve their lifetime goals.” To learn more, click here.
Outfit & jewellery:
Blueberry puffed-sleeve wool-crepe dress EMILIA WICKSTEAD.
Croi Sliogan Designer Silver Drop Earrings by Martina Hamilton.
UFO pearl pendant.
Watch by Chanel.
Suede pumps by LK Bennett.
HRH The Countess of Wessex 
The Countess looks beautiful, and am delighted to see her wearing the earrings she was gifted in my home country Ireland. Sophie’s visit once again highlights the fact that there are so many people in our communities working hard to make life better for others.
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