**Interview with Shamiam Arif: A Journey from Tragedy to Triumph**

**Interviewer:** Can you share a bit about your early life and the tragedy that transformed your life?

**Shamiam Arif:** Sure. I was just six months old when a candle fell into my cot at home in Kashmir, leading to severe burns across 70% of my body – my face, hands, and torso. I vividly remember that night; my mom screamed as the room was engulfed in flames. My dad quickly grabbed me and ran out while others were trying to extinguish the fire.

**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly traumatic. What happened after the fire?

**Shamiam Arif:** After the incident, my parents rushed me to the local hospital. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the resources to treat my injuries. They told my parents I was untreatable and just kept bandaging me. Eventually, we were sent to another hospital five hours away, but by then, the damage was already done.

**Interviewer:** How did your family and extended network support you during this time?

**Shamiam Arif:** My extended family in Luton became aware of my situation and began raising awareness for my treatment in the UK. Thanks to their efforts and the support of the Muslim Hands charity, we were able to fund my transfer to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, which has a specialized burns unit.

**Interviewer:** What was the treatment like once you arrived in the UK?

**Shamiam Arif:** The surgeons in Chelmsford performed several procedures on me. They first focused on my skull, which had to be partially removed because my condition was deteriorating. I’ll need to wear this protective helmet for the rest of my life. I lost both my hands in the fire, so they utilized the Krukenberg procedure, creating two “fingers” on each of my forearms. It was life-changing; I can pick things up, write, take pictures, and use a phone now. I even declined a bionic hand because I wanted to maintain that sense of humanity, rather than going robotic.

**Interviewer:** It’s remarkable to hear about your independence despite such adversity. Have you undergone any other surgeries or treatments?

**Shamiam Arif:** Yes, I’ve had numerous skin grafts to reconstruct my face, which included surgeries to rebuild my eyelids. It’s been a long journey—there was an operation to allow me to blink, and they used skin from my back and legs to reconstruct my nose and mouth.

**Interviewer:** You’ve turned your experience into something positive. What are your current aspirations?

**Shamiam Arif:** I just graduated with a degree in film production, and I’m determined to build a career doing what I love most. I also want to raise awareness and funds to support a hospital back in Kashmir. My journey has given me a unique perspective, and I want to help others in need.

**Interviewer:** That’s truly inspiring, Shamiam. Thank you for sharing your story with us.