Firefighters'fund-raising quest for burns-victim children

She did so wearing her pretty dress - despite her scars.

Now Bexhill firefighters Ian Molnar and Danny Sands are working to raise the money to send more young patients from the world-renowned Queen Victoria Hospital at East Grinstead on a special treat.

This year's adventure will start on Friday, May 30.

Thirty youngsters from Peanut Ward at the hospital made famous by its pioneering work in plastic surgery during World War II went on holiday to the Isle of Wight last year.

It was thanks to the effort of CREW - volunteers from the East and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services - that the youngsters were able to enjoy an activity break which included abseiling, zip wires, fencing and archery.

Now Ian and Danny are writing to town business leaders asking for sponsorship.

Ian said of CREW's efforts: "We have been raising money. We need about 4,000 to 4,500.

"We are writing to businesses to see if they could sponsor a child for 100."

Ideally, CREW would like to do as they did last year and find a coach operator willing to provide a vehicle for the weekend.

Peanut Ward is a children's ward specialising in burns and plastic surgery.

Also among the youngsters who enjoyed last year's holiday was a boy who had lost part of each finger in a mowing machine accident.

Ian said: "The hospital had used one of his toes to make him a thumb...

"There are kids with burns, kids with scalds.

"They enjoyed themselves so much last year."

Anyone able to help is asked to contact Firefighter Ian Molnar or Firefighter Danny Sands at Bexhill Fire Station. Cheques should be made out to "Peanut CREW."