Our little warrior - heartbroken mum on devastating Clayton-le-Woods fire which left son, 11, in critical care
‘Every day I am one step closer to getting to go to be with Cole’ are the heartbreaking words of a mum fighting to get better after a fire left her and her baby boy in critical condition in hospital.
On January 6, Kim Leighton’s world turned upside down after a fire ripped through their family home at Clayton-le-Woods, leaving both her and her cherished 11-year-old son fighting for their lives.
Kim, who was placed in an induced coma for a month, has since improved and, while she has a long road to recovery, her main focus is getting better to provide strength and support for Cole.
She said: “The fire which started in the hall after a faulty battery was being charged left both me and Cole fighting for our lives in critical care.
“I had been in an induced coma for four weeks, now three weeks after waking up with lots of help from the fanstic therapy team at Wythenshaw Hopsital burns unit I have been working on relearning everyday activities and i can now walk and talk again.
“Every day I am one step closer to getting to go to be with Cole.
“Cole is still in critical care. He has 95% burns and we are taking everything day by day, he has shown signs of progress which is positive.
“He is a very caring, outgoing, confident boy who is football mad and enjoys 'chillin' with his friends.
“He has an infectious personality and a smile that could brighten up any down day.”
She added: “As a family we are all absolutely devastated this has happened to Cole.
“We are so proud of him, hes so brave and strong. Our little warrior.”
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Kim added that the support and donations from the kind-hearted community has meant so much to them as a family.
She said: “After seeing all the support and donation from people, I was overwhelmed with the generosity of the community and we appreciate every single person who has helped and supported us through this tragic time.”
Lancashire Police have since confirmed the joint investigation into the blaze with the fire service has been closed on their end.
They said: “Our thoughts continue to be with them as they undergo treatment.”
As the family lost everything in the fire, a GoFundMe was set up by thoughtful neighbour Mitch Thomas, to help with medical and house costs.
To donate to the GoFundMe page, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/7nt93-help-a-family-that-lost-everything-in-a-house-fire