Fishing (a relaxing sport) turned to trauma! During the early hours of Saturday 22nd February 2020 Mitchell (a long term family friend) found himself in a bivvy (tent) that was engulfed in flames! The heater had fallen over whist he was asleep, it was dark, there were flames and smoke. his hands were on fire! He could not open the bivvy to escape! His hands were useless, he tried using his feet and screamed continuously in the hope someone would help him! Fortunately a friend of his in a near-by bivvy heard him and came to help! Imagine that fear, knowing you are burning to your death, your strongest tool (your hands) are no longer in use...

Mitchell is ex-military and used the drop and roll technique (stored in his head) to limit any further damage! He was taken to a reasonably local hospital but was immediately blue-lighted to Chelmsford Special Burns Unit where he still remains. The burns on his hands are so deep that the skin is white! He is currently going through a 'silver cream' process before the next stage in the medical process is considered. The burns are minor on is face, bad on his back, but horrendous on his hands! He has had a scan to determine the depth of the burns and it is likely skin grafting will be needed. He is on high doses of morphine and the facilities and staff at Chelmsford Burns Unit are outstanding!

Mitchell has enjoyed fishing for over 15 years but took the sport more seriously after his 7 year military career. It was his escapism, when his mind struggled with unimaginable images from Afghanistan he would take himself fishing, it was his peaceful place. He would regularly night fish and stay in his bivvy. His equipment has been built up over a number of years (it is not cheap) but sadly everything including his bivvy, sonar device, rods, mobile phone, bed chair and everything else is burnt to an unrecognisable state!

Mitchell started a new job two weeks ago so will not even qualify for sick pay, he is very angry and agitated and the reality is he will not be able to financially replace his equipment and this is how we ALL help! Come on friends, family and colleagues please support this young man. Help me put a smile back on his face!