Marlow Thurston recovering from burns after Byfield bonfire explosion

It was meant to be a harmless bonfire but a tragic home accident has left a young girl with severe injuries requiring multiple surgeries including full debridement from the knees to her toes.

Little Marlow Thurston has a long road to recovery after she sustained significant burns to her legs after a backyard bonfire exploded at her Byfield home.

It was meant to be a harmless bonfire in the backyard but a horror home accident has changed a little girl’s life forever.

Byfield girl Marlow Thurston’s life was changed “in an instant” when a backyard bonfire exploded, leaving the girl affectionately known as ‘Squish’ with significant burns to her legs.

Marlow was immediately rushed to hospital in Brisbane, with doctors estimating a “healing process” of up to three months, followed by extensive exercises and treatments to minimise scarring.

“Our world was shattered on Sunday afternoon when a bonfire explosion on our property severely burned Marlow’s legs.

“In an instant, her days of carefree play were replaced with pain and uncertainty,” Marlow’s dad Bryce stated on a GoFundMe page he started in June.

Little Marlow Thurston has a long road to recovery after she sustained significant burns to her legs after a backyard bonfire exploded at her Byfield home.

“In the hospital, Marlow’s days are now filled with physiotherapy, reading, colouring, and crafting.

“I stay by her side every day, trying to bring some comfort to her while my wife, who is six months pregnant, takes care of our other children and manages our property.”

Since being in hospital, little Marlow has undergone surgeries and various therapies as part of her recovery.

This includes negative pressure wound therapy to help the healing process.

To help with the costs associated with her recovery, Bryce started the GoFundMe page with a $39,000 goal so he can stay by Marlow’s side, with Marlow’s pregnant mum and her four older sisters and one younger brother at home.

Little Marlow Thurston has a long road to recovery after she sustained significant burns to her legs after a backyard bonfire exploded at her Byfield home.

People had donated $7350 by Friday, June 14.

“We rushed her to Brisbane Children’s Hospital, where she has already endured several surgeries, including a full debridement of her legs from the knees down to her toes,” Bryce said.

“The road ahead is long and daunting.

“As a self-employed contractor, I have no income if I am not working, and the financial burden of mortgage, living expenses and travel during this period of recovery is overwhelming.

Little Marlow Thurston has a long road to recovery after she sustained significant burns to her legs after a backyard bonfire exploded at her Byfield home.

“We are a close-knit family, and the thought of not being able to provide for them during this crisis is heartbreaking.

“Never in a million years would I imagine our family would be in this position yet here we are humbly asking for your help.”

Sharing a few words of her own on the GoFundMe, Marlow said she missed being home with her mum, sisters and brother.

“I used to spend my days playing with my siblings and pets on our beautiful property. I love gymnastics, jumping on the trampoline, and swimming in the creeks,” she said.

“The explosion was really scary, and my legs hurt so much.

Little Marlow Thurston has a long road to recovery after she sustained significant burns to her legs after a backyard bonfire exploded at her Byfield home.

“The doctors and nurses are helping me get better, but I miss my mummy, sisters, and brother so much. I’m glad my daddy is here with me every day.”

As young Marlow continues her recovery she has been discharged from the Queensland Children’s Hospital, according to a spokeswoman on June 14.

Originally published as Marlow Thurston recovering from burns after Byfield bonfire explosion