Paddy McGuiness shows support after tragic burn accident

Oliver Hart, aged 14, has been in hospital ever since his life-changing injuries on May 2 2022 after an accidental fire.

He has undergone multiple surgeries for skin grafts to heal, taken from his back, which is the only place they can take them from.

It then takes two weeks to heal, which will mean he will go through a period of pain.

His recovery and treatment will continue for the rest of his life.

Oliver’s stepmum Fleur Linkman said: “He is in a lot of pain and very uncomfortable.

"We have all found it very difficult as it has had a traumatic impact on the whole family.

“We are extremely grateful to the ambulance services for the speed that they got there.

Family meal with his mum Emma and brother Thomas (Image: Public)

“Had he been any older or the response hadn’t been quicker it could have been a different outcome.

"It's thanks to Manchester Children's Hospital, and the doctors and nurses who have helped him."

Oliver’s mum Emma Burton said: “I would like to thank all the staff at the hospital and the burns unit and the Paediatrics intensive care unit.

“They have been amazing.

“He has had quite a lot of life-threatening problems and we nearly lost him a few times, so it’s down to the doctors who saved him.”

After around four or five weeks, Oliver, whose family live in Horwich and Blackrod, contracted sepsis and numerous life-threatening infections, which affected his skin grafts.

Fleur said: “He is recovering and healing, but his next stage will involve physio, where he will learn how to walk again and rebuild his muscles.

“It’s thanks to his youth and young skin that he can heal better than if he was an adult.

“His face is the only place that healed naturally, which is a good thing.”

Oliver was in hospital for his 14th birthday but has continued to be supported by his dad Alex, grandma Jackie, mum Emma, and Fleur, and had a montage put together from his family and friends.

Oliver had his last skin graft last week, and his family are hoping to bring him home for Christmas.

Family walk up to Rivington Pike, with all the siblings, Fleur and dad Alex (Image: Public)

Emma added: “Last week we felt good about what the future holds.

“There is still a long way to go, but we are hoping he will be home for Christmas.

“We want him to come home when he is ready.

“We are a big family who all want to see him.

“He is getting there now.

“Some days are better than others.

“We have to make sure that the skin grafts are successful.

“At the moment there is 1.5 per cent left to heal and now is the time that the family and the hospital are concentrating on his physio to get him home for Christmas.”

Many well-known people have shared messages of support for Oliver, including Bolton comedian Paddy McGuiness, David Walliams, and JLS singer Aston Merry who was doing some work with Ronald Mcdonald where Emma met him.

During a wedding on Oliver's mum's side of the family (Image: Public)

The family are working together to get videos to put a smile on the teenager's face, describing Paddy McGuiness’s video as  'heart-warming and funny'.

In the video, Paddy McGuiness said: “Hello Oliver, Paddy McGuiness here.

“I know you can hear me, my mate.

“We’re all waiting patiently to see that big smile of yours and to see you back on your feet.

“Now, let’s get you back home.

“And hopefully I get to meet you in person.

“That’d be fantastic.

“We can have a cup of tea together or whatever you young ones drink.

“Anyhow, speak to you in a bit Oliver.

“Come on mate, let’s be having you.”

Once Oliver is ready to come home the family will have to assess his needs and make sure everything is in place for him.

Adaptations are likely to be made to the house, including turning the bathroom into a wet room.

The family is now raising funds for Oliver and have arranged several events over the next few months to assist with his home care and educational needs in the next stage of his recovery once he is able to return home.

Whilst Oliver has been in hospital, the family have raised more than £10,000 - an astonishing amount - for Ronald McDonald House in four days, which is the equivalent of providing a room for a family for two years.

Ronald McDonald’s Family Room programs provide comfort for families right in the hospital so parents can be there for their children.

The family said that Ronald McDonald had been a God send for any family with a child in hospital' allowing them to be with Oliver round the clock.

Emma added: “We had no idea that the donations collected from the McDonalds boxes at the till or when it asks you to round up at the till, all go and help families like us be able to be with our children.

“We hope this can make other people aware because without it we wouldn’t be able to be there all the time.

“It would cost us a fortune having to stay somewhere.

“In the ICU you’re not allowed to stay, you can only visit, so we would have had nowhere to stay.

“The hotel is opposite the doors to the children’s hospital.

“We have a kitchen and it’s one big room.

“When some family and friends can’t see Oliver, they can support us, where they are offered free tea and coffee, and people can also get food if they can’t afford to buy food.

“It’s amazing.

“We will all be going through different situations in there, but all have a poorly child, so you get that support as well.”

Oliver’s story will also be shared with the next family who use the room, which will be named after him.

The family described the charity as 'absolutely amazing'.

The first event is a Full Monty dance, which will be performed by very close family and friends who have helped support him and been there for him.

Oliver caught a huge fish during a fishing trip with his dad (Image: Public)

Several local pubs have also helped raise money selling football cards, with The Little Vic raising £500.

Alton Towers has also offered Oliver a free weekend next year when he is in a position to go, as well as Wish Upon a Star charity also offering him a trip to Disneyland.

The family said they are working to motivate the brave teenager and help build his confidence again and do 'anything to put a smile on his face'.

Fleur says that they are also hoping to get Oliver to the Manchester Children’s Burns Camp next year.

Emma added: “It’s something that would be very good for Oliver to talk to people who have experienced it and have that support around him.

“It’s been a very traumatic time for everybody.

“Oliver’s personal goal is to be out for the World Cup, so anything before Christmas is a bonus.”

Click here (www.gofundme.com/f/oliver-har-fundraiser-event) to help support Oliver and his family.

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If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.