‘I survived the Bali nightclub bombing that killed my husband – now I help others rebuild their lives’

A Surrey woman who lost her husband in the Bali terrorist attack has spent more than two decades helping other burns survivors rebuild their lives.

Polly Brooks was severely injured in the October 2002 nightclub bombing, which killed 202 people, including her husband, Dan.

She was the sole survivor of a party of 10 caught up in the atrocity.

Determined to turn her personal tragedy into something positive, Polly established Dan's Fund For Burns in memory of her husband the following year.

Since 2003, the charity has raised almost £4 million to help burns survivors across the UK recover physically, emotionally and financially.

Having experienced the devastating consequences of severe burns herself, Polly recognised how little support was available to adults after leaving hospital.

She decided to do something about it.

More than two decades later, Dan's Fund For Burns continues to help people through their recovery, including weekly online peer support sessions where survivors can share their experiences with others who understand what they are going through.

The charity also recently organised a wellbeing weekend in Brighton, bringing survivors together with medical consultants and other experts for advice, support and companionship.

Among those who have benefited is Maureen Pickles, who suffered severe burns in 2024.

While recovering in hospital, Maureen was introduced to Dan's Fund For Burns through a stress ball provided to help her regain movement in her badly burnt and stiff hands.

The charity had also refurbished the hospital's physiotherapy room and supplied specialist equipment that helped her recovery.

After leaving hospital, Maureen began attending the charity's weekly online support sessions and later met Polly at the Brighton wellbeing weekend.

She said: "I was severely burnt in 2024 and being able to converse with other burn survivors on the weekly Dan's Fund For Burns peer support chat line is an incredible support as it enables us to talk to others who can completely understand the complexities of being burnt.

"The weekend in Brighton enabled us all to have a fun weekend as well as exchanging our stories and gaining valuable information.

"Being burnt is a life long injury and to have the support of this charity is invaluable."

The charity is now approaching another milestone, with Polly hoping to reach £4 million in fundraising before its 25th anniversary in 2028.

And her dedication has earned her national recognition after Maureen nominated her for a competition celebrating people who make a difference to others.

Polly, from Guildford, has been selected as one of five finalists in Tiptree's search for Britain's Morning Hero, part of its Raise a Toast to the Great British Breakfast campaign.

The competition recognises individuals whose kindness, dedication and community spirit have made a positive impact on people's lives.

Polly said: "What a lovely surprise to find out that Maureen, a burn survivor who has been accessing our Dan's Fund peer support weekly online chats and recently attended our burn survivor wellbeing weekend in Brighton, had not only nominated me for The Morning Heroes competition but that I had been successful in being chosen as a finalist.

"Life has been a rollercoaster with many lows since Bali, but also some great highs and it's warmed my heart that Maureen took the time to nominate me. Thank you!"

The public can vote for Polly until midnight on Tuesday, November 10, with the winner announced later this month.

Liz Millin, marketing manager at Tiptree, said: "Polly has spent more than two decades making sure burn survivors know they don't have to face that alone, and Maureen's nomination shows just how much that support means.

"We're delighted to have Polly among our five finalists and hope the public will get behind her as we celebrate the people who make a real difference to those around them."

To vote, visit www.tiptree.com/pages/breakfast-hero