About Climb To Recovery
I am Lucy Henry, a 37 year old ex registered nurse and I
suffered severe burns to 70 % of my body in 2003 as the result
of an act of self-harm. My shoulder function has been affected,
with my right shoulder fused by bone (heterotrophic
ossification). I now have ongoing neck and back pain. However,
my legs have been unaffected, apart from some scarring from
donor sites, and I have been medically cleared for training. I
used to be an aerobics instructor and I ran the Burnie 10 in
1994 in about 47 minutes. I still do a lot of walking, much of
it uphill.
I have a mental health assistance dog (MHAD) called Lottie who
is registered with an organization called AWARE Dogs Australia -
I was the Tasmanian representative for three years. I had a
degree of social anxiety due to my facial disfigurement after
the burns and Lottie helps me to have the courage to live and
engage with the community independently. Lottie loves her job
and is enjoying the increase in our daily exercise regime!
I perform public speaking engagements about my experiences
with mental illness and severe burns, and how Lottie has helped
me significantly improve my quality of life; to the point where
I no longer need to take psychotropic medication, and have lost
30 kg in weight. I have spoken at two conferences interstate;
and to community groups, a corporate group, and a school since
2007. I am also a very active member of the Choir of High Hopes
Hobart which led to me being awarded a Rotary "Pride of
Workmanship Award" in 2009.
The Burns Unit looked after me for about 2.5 months after I came
out of the Intensive Care Unit. I go back regularly to the
outpatient clinic, and continue to have reconstructive surgery
each year at the Royal Hobart Hospital. The care provided is
excellent - the staff are caring, cheerful and non-judgmental.
The care of a person with severe burns is expensive (about
$500,000 for just the initial acute stage), and I would like to
"give something back" by raising money through sponsorship of my
participation in the Point to Pinnacle Walk.