On the 6th January 2018 My beautiful Mummy, Gina, 64, was at home, she messaged me in the evening to show me she was putting up my wedding pictures.

The next morning my daughters 18th birthday the phone rang. Seeing it was Mum on the display she answered but instead it was my StepDad to news Mum was in hospital. A birthday she’ll never forget.

My heart racing. It‘s like he was talking foreign. I heard fire, picture and candle.

Whilst putting up the picture, below on a table she had 2 small tealights lit. The flame had caught her nylon pyjama top and set her on fire within seconds. He heard her screaming and came running. He saved her life by his actions but the trauma of what he saw has made it hard for him to sleep or function. It will give us nightmares to think of the pain she was in.

She was transferred from our local hospital in Norfolk to the Chelsea & Westminister Burns Unit where she is now in ICU. She suffered 30% 2nd degree burns to her torso, arms, neck, head and face. So far she has had 4 surgeries, blood transfusions, skin grafts with more to come. She awoke from her coma just last week after fighting a nasty infection but still with a long road ahead. Myself, my brother, her husband, grandchildren, stepchildren, family & friends are praying for a good recovery. Doctors can only say medically day by day but she is doing well.

Mum will need help eventually when she’s home. Equipment, like a specialist chair and bed. Already the council are helping to get them moved from the property they’ve been in for 17years. My Stepdad is having difficulty and suffering nightmares. This accident will have a devastating effect on them both and their lives but knowing Mum and her fighting spirit we all hope she will come through..

This freak, tragic accident touches many. Mum isn’t out of the woods yet, albeit a long road we know she will need help in many forms. Mum and David are both pensioners, Mum had a small cleaning job which is now ceased. We are rallying round to help but I feel I need to do more. Not just to ask financially but to make people aware. Aware of simple dangers in your home.

Any monies donated will go toward specialist equipment, help with the new housing upon mums release from hospital. Any leftovers will be donated to the Chelsea & Westminster Burns Unit who are doing a fantastic job. I cannot praise them enough.

Please please be candle safe!! Do NOT leave any naked flame unattended. Watch where you place candles. Check clothing garment labels if fire retardent and be careful. Candles are lovely and many of us buy them for Mums, Aunts and Nans. I wont ever buy one again.

Thank You

Lindsey x

Also to everyone who has messaged, called, sent cards thank you!! Not being on FB is hard but I/we feel the love xx

Burns Safety