MP donates book royalties to thank hospital for burns care

An MP who was badly burned in a bonfire accident last year is to donate half the royalties from his book to the hospital that treated him.

The Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) in East Grinstead treated Gordon Henderson, Conservative MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, when he suffered burns to his body whilst lighting a fire with a small amount of petrol. He spent over a week in the Queen Victoria Hospital burns unit. Mr Henderson wrote his book Operation Seal Island, an adventure story set in South Africa during the Apartheid years, in his weeks of convalescence following the accident.

Commenting on his decision to donate royalties from his book to the hospital, Mr Henderson said: “The treatment I received at the QVH was fantastic. During those long painful days that I was in the intensive care unit I was able to witness at first hand the dedication and hard work of the medical staff who are on the front line in the NHS. Despite being under pressure and working under the financial constraints faced by all NHS hospitals, the staff made bearable what would have been a very traumatic time, if it had not been for their exemplary kindness and care.

“I have decided to donate half of any royalties that I receive from sales to the QVH as a thank you for the wonderful treatment I received from them.”

Mr Baljit Dheansa, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the Queen Victoria Hospital, said, “Severe burns injuries can be life changing. Here at QVH we provide the specialised care needed to manage the immediate impact of burns as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support through the healing process.

“We’re pleased our specialist burns unit was able to help Gordon Henderson make a good recovery and are delighted that he has chosen the QVH Charity to benefit from the proceeds of his book. Donations like this support us to further improve patient care and carry out research, such as current work aimed at reducing long-term scarring.”

To find out more about our specialist burns services click here.