Rhys Marshall’s Story

I was in the kitchen making myself my last cup of tea for the evening. I hadn’t noticed Rhys, my 15-month old son, wonder in behind me. I poured the boiling water into my pint mug and put the kettle back, as I turned round again to face my cup it was too late! Rhys just managed to reach his fingers onto the rim of the cup and pull it over himself. The screams!! I just pulled his top over his head as quick, as I could. I could see the steam coming off him, and his dad pulled his is PJ bottoms down.I ran his arm under the tap in the kitchen sink and his outer skin just slipped off like a latex glove.The 999 operator told me to go in the shower with him on cool. I was still in there by the time the paramedics arrived.They took us to the nearest hospital and when assessed we had to move to a specialised burns unit.I’m so grateful that they did as this is where I met Tracy foster (founder of family Burns club) who not only supported Rhys, but also supported me and the rest of the family.It was in this club that we met all the families in the same situation as us. It’s the guilt that gets the parents and being able to talk to other parents that have gone through a similar experience makes you realise it wasn’t their fault therefore it helps you understand that it wasn’t really your fault.I’m sure the boys have all compared scares at one time or another, and also compared stories, to see who’s the coolest.Rhys is one of the lucky ones because he doesn’t remember that night, not all scars are visible, mine certainly aren’t.Knowing I have the support of everybody at  Family Burns Club is a big relief.It’s a vital part of the recovery system for the whole family.If it wasn’t for this club I don’t know if Rhys would have accepted his scars as well as he has. Thanks Family Burns Club!