INJURED BOY WARNS OF FIREWORK DANGER
ABOY who was hit by a firework at a family display aged four has spent the last 10 years having operations after the freak accident – and warned of the dangers ahead of Bonfire Night.
Ben McCabe, now 14, suffered third-degree burns when a rocket flew “straight at him” despite his family following all safety precautions.
He expects to be receiving treatment until he is at least 21.
Now he has warned others against having private firework displays.
Ben said: “My family followed all the safety advice and I still got injured.
“My scars don’t define who I am but they do have an impact on my life.
“I’ve had multiple operations with more to come and I need regular treatments to keep my skin supple.
“If you’re thinking about messing about with fireworks then
please think again. “You’re handling explosives, just because you can buy them in shops doesn’t make them safe. “And don’t give into pressure from your pals, it’s not worth the risk.
“If you want to enjoy fireworks this Bonfire Night my advice is go to an organised public event.
“If there isn’t one on, think twice about the risks of having a home display.
“I’m proof that a few moments of excitement can have a lifetime of consequences.”
His mother Amy was working at the Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow when she received the devastating news. Amy said: “I can’t describe the terror that I felt.
“A firework had gone straight at him, burning his clothing.
“There was nothing left of his shirt.
“It was a family display, all the safety rules were followed, I couldn’t believe it was happening to us.
“But it did happen to us and it can happen to you.
“Ben has achieved so much despite having had such a traumatic experience.
“I’m so proud of him.
“We want to share Ben’s story so other families don’t have to experience what we have.
“This Bonfire Night please think twice.”
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “I thoroughly commend Ben’s bravery for speaking out about his own experience and thank his mum Amy for her unwavering support in helping us make people aware of the dangers of fireworks.
“We are appealing to the public to attend organised events rather than do-it-yourself bonfires and fireworks displays.
“Ben and Amy have shown the very real and devastating consequences of fireworks that go wrong, even when the safety advice is followed.”