Woman who suffered horrific burns after incident at Sudbury pub advocates for self-acceptance following ordeal

Warning: This story contains graphic images

A woman who suffered severe burns at a pub near Sudbury has spoken out about her ordeal and highlighted the importance of self-acceptance when living with her scars.

Ashleigh Charlesworth was enjoying her first night out after coronavirus restrictions eased at The Kings Head in Great Cornard last year, when someone sprayed ethanol onto an open flame creating a fireball that engulfed her and her cousin April, who was celebrating her birthday.

The 28-year-old nurse was rushed to hospital where she was placed on a ventilator and spent two days in intensive care. Fourteen days later having had multiple procedures and skin grafts, Ashleigh was discharged.

Ashleigh said the events of that evening all happened in a blur but that her nursing training had taught her to stop, drop and roll, giving her the best chance of recovery.

Despite the incredible pain and scars from the burns on her face and hands that will stay with her forever, Ashleigh was determined not to let the incident put a stop to her plans and goals.

"It has been a long road to get to where I am now but now I can look at myself in the mirror and accept my reflection," she said.

"Five weeks post injury I was back in the gym, 7 weeks post injury I started a brand new job and the rest has been from there. Everyday is not easy but everyday is a step forward in the right direction.

"I lived by the motto ‘the scars will always look better tomorrow'," she added.

Ashleigh has taken to social media to promote her message of self-acceptance and to share pictures of her recovery to her 4,600 followers.

Her story has recently been shared by model and activist Katie Piper, who was attacked with acid in 2008 leaving her with facial scars and blindness in one eye.

Katie, who has one million followers on Instagram, shared Ashleigh's story on her account with the hashtag #MindsetMonday and the post attracted over 50,000 likes and over 1,300 comments.

TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and Emily Clarkson, daughter of Jeremy Clarkson, were among those who wrote messages of solidarity on the post with Emily saying 'what a force you are'.

Ashleigh said: "Yes I was burnt, yes I still have injuries to deal with but my burn does not define me as a person, it’s a part of me. I’m also a nurse, fitness lover, friend, sister, daughter among more.

"I am Ashleigh with a burn, not Ashleigh the victim."