I like to push my boundaries

PICTURE SOPHIE MAYANNE actually came as a relief, knowing I could have appropriate treatment.

I’m studying history of art at university. My first exhibition showcased the work of Sophie Mayanne, the photographer of the shoot.

I also model for mainstream brands, and hope by showing off my scars, I can teach people they’re beautiful because of their scars, not despite them.

I’ve had people come up to me in the street and in the loos in a club, telling me I’m beautiful. I’m just me and this is the body I am in. Raiche Mederick, 24, from East London I was 18 months old when I suffered 70% burns to my face and body in a house fire. As a result, my fingers and toes were amputated, I also lost my hair, ear and balance. When you’re little, you know you look different, but don’t understand people are judging you. Looking back, people picked on me, but I just thought they were annoying.

Going to a special kids’ burns club gave me the tools to deal with what I was, rather than pretend it wasn’t happening. I was taught my so-called weaknesses are my strengths. They encouraged us to push our boundaries, to climb trees, to jump into pools, to explore the world and live our lives.

Any notion of self-pity was quickly dismissed. Soon I didn’t have a reason to be negative any more. By the time puberty hit and kids become more selfconscious, I was strong enough to cope.

Recently, I started a charity, the R-Chaie Foundation, to support adult burns survivors through recovery with peer-supported activities.

We had a fundraising ball in March, and collaborated with the Katie Piper Foundation last year.

This is my first proper year running the charity, which is nerve-racking but amazing.

I did some modelling at the Ideal Home Show last year where I met Sylvia. We had so many mutual friends! Taking part in the swimwear shoot was a no-brainer. Anything I can do to encourage confidence, I’m there.