On May 3rd 2000 12 year old Alfred 'Podge' Page was turned into a human torch. Drenched in petrol and set alight, he suffered third degree burns over 60% of his body.
At 7pm he was playing with friends when set upon in a ruthless manner by a disturbed boy of a similar age. Podge, as he prefers to be called, had petrol poured over him and immediately set alight. In an act of almost unimaginable cruelty Podge suffered in excess of 61% third degree burns. Which is all but his face, crutch (saved by his cut off jeans) and feet (saved by his boots).
Rushed to hospital he was given only a 40% chance of survival. Three times his body gave in. Three times the medical team saved him. Continuously on life support for thirteen weeks only modern drugs and the dedication and skill of the intensive care staff pulled him through. But, for all their care and commitment, there are human limits. All of his abdominal muscle cover is gone, burned away by the flames. Barely one foot of intestine could be saved and most of his young body is now covered with artificial skin.
Favourite pastimes of boys his age are beyond him. A fisherman, he no longer has the body strength to cast the line. He can no longer use his bike. He can barely walk. Football and the usual rough and tumble with friends are out of the question. Without abdominal muscles and only 12 inches of bowel remaining he must avoid any risk of further injury.
Amazingly, Podge retains a positive and calm outlook on life. Yet the truth is this young man's future has been stolen by an act of almost unimaginable cruelty. Things that are 'rights' for the rest of us - going to school, enjoying holidays, visiting the cinema, getting a job - are out of reach for Podge. But he still has a chance...
Podge has ongoing needs and that is the purpose of this site. Please read on...
