A father is in intensive care after a horror kitchen accident saw him set alight in front of his four-year-old daughter.
Matt Bright, a school teacher, was cooking his family dinner inside their Newcastle home, north of Sydney, last Monday when oil from the frying pan exploded and set fire to his coat.
His daughter Bella watched in horror as the flames engulfed her father until neighbours spotted the fire and called emergency services.
The little girl bravely met fire and paramedics crews at the door and led them to her dad.
Mr Bright was airlifted to the Royal North Shore Hospital where he underwent his first surgery on July 9, his 32nd birthday, after suffering burns to 40 per cent of his body.
He remains in the intensive care unit with Bella and his wife, Claire, by his side.
Mr Bright’s sister, Ellie Bright, has launched a GoFundMe to help the family cover ongoing costs through this ‘sudden and life-changing nightmare’.
‘Matt is so many things. He is a dad, a husband, a son, a brother, a nephew, a grandson, a godson, a brother-in-law, a son-in-law and a friend. He is gentle, kind, thoughtful, strong,’ Ms Bright wrote.
Matt Bright (pictured with his daughter, Bella, and wife, Claire) suffered severe burns while cooking for his four-year-old daughter on July 7
Mr Bright remains in hospital after suffering burns to 40 per cent of his body
‘He is everything to us.
‘He is receiving the very best care and he is still with us. That is what we are holding onto.’
The Bright family has already been shocked by the massive outpouring of support from their community.
‘Bella’s preschool has wrapped Claire in kindness. Matt’s football club has shown up in big and small ways. Friends are lifting us with messages, meals and care,’ they said.
‘From the first responders, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter team, to the ICU doctors and nurses looking after Matt right now, every single person has brought us hope and reassurance when we’ve needed it most.
‘There are no words big enough to thank them.’
However, the family decided to reach for help outside their circle as their bills continue to grow.
‘Your donation will go towards medical costs, accommodation, travel, time away from work, and the many unexpected things that come with trauma,’ Ms Bright wrote.
A GoFundMe has been created to help Mr Bright’s family with medical, accommodation and other costs
‘Most of all, it will give Claire and Bella what they need most right now: time, space and support.’
It’s understood Bella was the only other person home at the time of the accident.
Mr Bright is due to undergo another surgery on Monday.
The GoFundMe has received more than $32,000 in just three days.
