Toddler Amarnie Grace to undergo skin grafts after boiling tea leaves severe burns

A Queensland toddler is awaiting last-resort skin grafts after weeks of failed treatments for horrific burns she suffered when spilling boiling tea over herself.

Amarnie Grace needs skin grafts after being badly burned by boiling tea.

A toddler who spilt a boiling hot cup of tea over herself last month is awaiting last-resort skin grafts in a Brisbane hospital after weeks of failed treatments.

Amarnie Grace, 15 months, has spent the past three weeks in a padded suit to help heal full thickness burns to her chin, chest, torso and neck.

Her mother Renee Steepe, 36, said Amarnie was enjoying a normal day at her home in Yelarbon, a small southwest Queensland town near the NSW border, while playing with her grandmother and dancing.

“She’s larger than life, she adores animals and dancing around,” Ms Steepe said.

“She loves anything outdoors and spends most of her time playing with myself and my mum at home.

Renee Steepe and Amarnie Grace.

“I was working from home in the next room while she was being looked after (on June 26).’’

Ms Steepe was alerted by a “blood curdling” scream from the kitchen.

She said she was shocked at what she saw.

“Her body was red and the skin was starting to peel,” Ms Steepe said.

“I ran to her and removed all of her clothes before calling the hospital for what we should do next.’’

Amarnie had grabbed a double-glazed glass filled with boiling tea and as she went to take a sip dropped it on herself.

Ms Steepe said the tea was placed where she believed it would be out of Amarnie’s reach.

“It all happened so quickly. I drove her at speed to the Inglewood Hospital as it was quicker than waiting for an ambulance,” she said.

“When we got there she had to be hosed down in a cold shower for about 40 minutes before the helicopter to the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) arrived.

“She was cheering herself through while I sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and The Wiggles’ Hot Potato song.’’

Upon arrival to the QCH Amarnie was told Amarnie had suffered full thickness burns to her chest, meaning there was no skin left.

Some of Amarnie's burns were “full thickness”, meaning there was no skin left.

“Most of her burns are severe second-degree burns with some skin left,” Ms Steepe said.

“We have been told she will have to regularly see an occupational therapist until she is 18 years old.’’

Amarnie has had to have special dressings, infection prevention and compression devices.

“Three weeks later we have been told nothing has worked and next week she will begin skin grafting,” Ms Steepe said.

“We are taking one step at a time and when I start to feel sad I look at my little girl who looks so happy and normal.

“It’s very easy to change your mindset and I realise how lucky I am.’’

Ms Steepe’s colleague Julie Fox from Pynk Health, a psychology practice supporting women’s mental health, has started a GoFundMe page to support the family.

“Your generosity will help cover the costs of their travel, accommodations, and other necessities, allowing them to focus on Amarnie’s recovery without the added financial stress,” Mrs Fox said.

Ms Steepe said she was so appreciative of all the people who have supported Amarnie’s recovery.

“To my family, colleagues, current and former clients and all of the hospital staff and specialists, thank you,” she said.

If you can donate to Amarnie’s fundraiser, please click here.