Lorraine Crossan, of Brandon, Hough Green, warns of dangers of using candles at home (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Lorraine Crossan, of Brandon, Hough Green, warns of dangers of using candles at home

5:50pm Saturday 4th July 2009

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A BLAZE victim scarred for life is warning people to be extra careful when using candles at home.

Lorraine Crossan suffered severe burns after her clothes caught fire when she leaned across a tea light candle on her window ledge.

Lorraine, of Brandon, Hough Green, said: ““Everyone knows how much a little burn hurts but I cannot begin to describe how painful it was when all my upper body was burnt. It was the worst pain in my life.

“This incident happened because I lost concentration for a second and now I am left with scars for the rest of my life.”

Lorraine was looking out the window waiting for a hairdresser to arrive when the accident happened last August.

Thankfully, her mother was able to help her into the shower, call firefighters and an ambulance.

Lorraine suffered severe burns from her stomach to her neck.

She spent seven and a half weeks in Whiston Hospital.

She had to have a major operation after she suffered a massive blood clot due to her injuries.

Ten months later, she still has to have her injuries treated by a nurse three times a week and the incident has has a devastating effect on her life.

Lorraine said: “I know that candles do look nice but my story clearly shows how dangerous they are.

“That is why I have agreed to help the fire service to raise awareness of the dangers of candles.

“I don’t want anyone else to suffer the way I have.”

Sean Henshaw, Cheshire fire service group manager for Halton, said: “I am extremely grateful to Lorraine for sharing her story with residents.

“We have had a number of serious incidents involving candles recently and we are trying to make people realise that they are extremely dangerous.”

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