Injured Cousins Express Optimism for Future Years After Fire Incident

Two women, who sustained injuries in a fire, have expressed optimism regarding their future, despite still receiving treatment three and a half years later. April and Ashleigh Charlesworth, cousins aged 31, sustained severe burns during a fire at a pub in Great Cornard, near Sudbury, Suffolk, in April 2021. Following the incident, they were transported to different hospitals and remained separated for a month, during which they were placed on ventilators and in induced comas. Although they continue to receive regular treatment for their burns, they have since begun assisting other survivors in their recovery processes. April, a hairdresser, stated, “I’m doing good – I still get bad days but it’s more good days now.” She further elaborated, “We’re having laser surgery on our faces and hands.” “We’re both on the waiting list to have more extreme laser surgery under general anaesthetic.” “It’s difficult, even before we can sometimes feel a bit nervous.” “After the laser, we have to take a week off work to let ourselves heal and you feel down because it brings it all back.” Ashleigh, an NHS 111 clinical auditor, echoed her cousin’s sentiments. She remarked, “It’s the old saying of time is a healer and with time it’s getting a bit easier.” In 2021, the cousins had visited their local pub to commemorate the initial night following lockdown. As they were conversing, Ashleigh observed a brief flicker of flame peripherally before both women became engulfed in fire. An exploding portable heater resulted in severe burns for both women. Ashleigh’s chest sustained significant burns, necessitating a skin graft on her hands using skin harvested from her thigh. April received donor skin for her chest, arm, and neck. A man faces two charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, to which he has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled to commence in August next year. Throughout their recovery period, both women received assistance from the Katie Piper Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting burn survivors and individuals with scars from traumatic events. Ashleigh mentioned that while she is not currently utilizing the charity for personal support, she consistently contributes to its campaigns. She stated, “I help out with anything they ask… getting involved and helping bump up the foundation in any way that we can.” “I know April does the same as well so it’s quite nice they’ve got us as a tag team.” “It’s quite a unique situation when there’s two people of the same family.” Over the past month, the women have also been engaged in efforts to raise awareness and funds for the charity, including completing a “Stride for Survivors” challenge by walking 100 miles. The cousins conveyed their profound gratitude for the extensive support they have received throughout the years. April commented, “We’ve both got a great family, a good friendship group and work are really supportive.” “It’s nice to know who is there, you definitely realise the people that are there for you.” They are currently anticipating the future with positive expectations. Ashleigh stated, “Treatment wise we go through the motions now – our family know what to expect in terms of when we have it.” “It’s about trying to show up for the foundation as they’ve done a lot for us and trying to help other people as much as we can.” April further added, “I’m feeling good about it.” “We’re both happy to talk about it which is a lot nicer. I definitely feel like it’s getting easier every day.” For updates on Suffolk news, connect via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Further details on our external linking policy are available.