I’m so scared
Last year was the first time Ben, 11, managed to watch fireworks since he was scarred for life at age of 4
A BOY who was scarred for life by a stray firework has urged people to act safely on Bonfire Night.
Ben McCabe, of Cumbernauld, was just four when a firework from a local display landed on him, causing third-degree burns.
He was in hospital for three weeks and had skin grafts to his neck and chest. Seven years later, he is still receiving treatment.
The 11-year-old said: “I want people to think about the consequences of setting off these fireworks and how easy it is for something to go wrong.”
After his terrifying experience, Ben was unable to watch fireworks until last year.
He said: “Last Bonfire Night, I managed to make it to the door to look outside but I’m still very scared of them.
“I usually sit in my room and pretend it’s just another day.”
His mother, Amy, was on shift as an auxiliary nurse at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow on November 5, 2011, when her husband called to say their son was being brought in as he had been hit by a firework.
Ben and his father had been watching a neighbourhood firework display from their street when the accident happened.
Amy, 42, said: “The firework headed straight for Ben and went BY LAURA PATERSON into his shirt, which then caught fire. He was screaming and no one could believe what had happened.
“Alan put him into a cold bath until the ambulance came – there was nothing left of his shirt.”
Ben was drifting in and out consciousness when his mother first saw him in A&E.
She said: “I know what it’s like being on the other side and what to look for but, as a parent, it was killing me inside seeing him like that.
“I had to try to keep calm for the family and for Ben.
“He was in hospital for 21 days and still needs skin grafts and massages four times a day to keep the skin’s elasticity.
“It can be really hard going but I am so very proud of my son. He is so much braver than anyone I know.”
Ben’s family are backing the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s bonfire safety campaign.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer John Miller said: “We are appealing to the public to attend organised events rather than do-it-yourself bonfires and fireworks displays.
“Our firefighters work extremely hard to engage with people of all ages and equip them with the knowledge and the awareness of how to stay safe around bonfires and fireworks.”