Little miss courage

The little girl, aged just six, suffered 40 per cent burns to her face, neck, arms and back in a fire which destroyed her home three years ago. She came so close to dying, a priest was called in to administer last rites.

Her family has broken their silence for the first time this week and spoken to the Herald about their daughter's inspiring fight for survival.

Mum Mandy Smith and dad Phillip Jenkin said: "Every time we thought she was going to pull through, something would happen and she was critical again. She is an incredible little girl. It's a testament to her bravery and courage that she is trying to live the same life as any other six-year- old."

A faulty light on a Christmas tree started the fire at the house in Chiltern Crescent, Durrington, in January, 2002.

Neighbour Jeff Marriott rescued the youngster after battling the blaze with a garden hose.

Mandy and Phillip, who have three other children and a baby boy due early next month, spent months at their daughter's hospital bedside.

"It is something that you never think will happen to you," said Mandy. "It has made us appreciate life so much. We don't take anything for granted. We came so close to losing her. She is so brave and we are so proud of her.

"Coming to terms with her injuries was very difficult at first. People would stare when we took her out and other children were sometimes scared when they looked at her but I don't notice it any more."

Stephanie will need regular operations until she is 18.

Phillip said: "She talks about the fire sometimes. She tells us she remembers seeing the door open but was too scared to move. She has to have the light on at night because she is scared of the dark and she hates the noise when smoke alarms go off. She used to be terrified of fire engines as well but she went to the fire station and was given a ride in one of the engines and does not mind them now."

Stephanie is a pupil at Durrington First School, where she is given lots of support from teachers and all her friends and is doing well, especially in her favourite subject, English.

She has to wear very high sun protection factor and sometimes needs to play inside if the weather is too hot because of her skin.

"Sometimes the operations get her down a bit and they can be quite painful but she is a happy little girl," said

Mandy. "She is looking forward to her birthday next month and wants a pair of roller boots."

The family has organised a 24-hour pool marathon at The Black Horse Pub in Findon Village to raise money for The Burned Children's Charity, which has supported them so much over the last three years. The event starts at 7pm tomorrow (Friday) and goes through until 7pm on Saturday night.