A WOMAN set on fire in a pub heater explosion is in "extreme pain" and lucky to be alive" as she revealed her devastating burn injuries.
Ashleigh Charlesworth, 27, released pictures of the agonising damage to her fingers, which has also covered her face and chest.
Ashleigh and her cousin, 27, were still being treated in hospital as cops investigated claims they were caught in a camp fire explosion when a prankster sprayed it with fuel.
They were burned while enjoying a drink together at the King’s Head in Great Cornard near Sudbury, Suffolk, on April 24.
Ashleigh’s dad Paul Charlesworth , 55, revealed Ashleigh had been able to remove her specialist mask for the first time, allowing her to see the extent of the burns to her face.
Paul of Colchester, Essex, said his daughter, a nurse, believed that she was “lucky to be alive” and was still in “considerable pain.”
HORROR BURNS
He added: “My daughter and her cousin were sitting next to each other talking at a table.
"This guy did whatever he did and the liquid that caught fire went over them.”
Mr Charlesworth said he believed his daughter’s injuries were “due to the actions of one drunken person.”
He added: “Her bottom jaw line is still weeping and her chin is still covered until it heals a bit more.
“The big problem for Ashleigh is that what happened had really not sunk in with her. She still does not want pictures released of her face.”
Mr Charlesworth said Ashleigh initially wore her face mask to prevent her burns becoming infected.
He explained: “The doctors are trying their hardest not to do anything to her face as they hope the skin can heal itself.”
The incident happened after a customer brought along a portable liquid fuel heater to keep warm in the pub garden and used it without the knowledge of staff.
It is believed that a prankster grabbed hold of a bottle containing ethanol fuel for the heater and then squirted it on to the naked flame.
The flame then shot back into the bottle causing it to explode in a fireball.
'EXTREME PAIN'
Ashleigh is still being treated at the specialist burns unit in Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex.
She initially spent two days on a ventilator and has already had skin grafts on both her hands, taking skin from her legs.
Her cousin, who has asked not be identified, is at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, West Sussex, which specialises in burns care and reconstructive surgery.
Suffolk Police have stated that both women are in a stable condition with life-changing injuries.
A man aged in his 20s who also suffered burns in the incident was treated in hospital and later discharged.
Mr Charlesworth said it was too early to tell the long term seriousness of Ashleigh’s burns.
He said: “She is in extreme pain and needs to have her skin chemically cleaned.
“What’s happened has only sunk in for Ashleigh over the last couple of days. It’s so unfortunate as she is such a hero who does so much for the NHS.”
Suffolk Police say no arrests have been made, but a man has been voluntarily interviewed regarding the incident.
It's alleged a drinker at the pub sprayed ethanol on to the naked flame, causing the bottle to “explode”.
Mr Charlesworth said his daughter has been left in agony.
He said: “Someone brought a heater to the pub but it exploded and Ashleigh and her cousin got sprayed in the face.
“They were badly burned and taken to hospital. Ashleigh was put on a ventilator for two days and needed operations on her hands.
“The doctors are trying their hardest not to do anything to her face as they hope the skin can heal itself.
“She’s having to wear a special mask on her face still as these types of burns can carry on damaging skin for days.”
Ashleigh worked as a nurse throughout the pandemic and has also administered Covid vaccines.
Neighbours reported hearing screams as the stove exploded in a fireball next to an outside table.
The gas-fuelled burner was taken to the pub garden by drinkers to keep themselves warm, witnesses said.
King’s Head landlady Sarah Bond said on the pub’s Facebook page: “The heating appliance was not one supplied by the pub, but was brought onto the premises without our knowledge.
“At the moment, we have three of our customers with serious injuries, potentially life changing.
“Our focus is on supporting the enquiry that is taking place while keeping them, and their families, at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
“We would also like to say a thank you to all the emergency services who attended on Saturday evening, as well as our staff and other customers that assisted at the time.
“We know there has been a lot of media interest in the incident that has taken place, out of respect to those injured, we will not be making further comment and ask that you join us in keeping them in your thoughts.”
Suffolk Police have begun an investigation into the causes of the fireball.
A police spokesman said: No arrests have been made or charges. However, a man has been interviewed voluntarily regarding the incident.
"Enquiries are ongoing in regards to the circumstances.”
*A Go Fund Me page set up by Ashleigh’s sister Stacey to raise cash to help her during her recovery has so far raised nearly £3,200.
To donate go to bit.ly/3aWNInx
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