Toni & Kelsey Deacon
It was the horrifying moment that changed the Deacons' lives forever. When baby Toni fell into a bath of scalding water, her courageous sister Kelsey didn't hesitate before leaping in to save her. Both girls have since shown extraordinary bravery in overcoming their injuries.
Now they and their parents are telling their tragic story for the first time to raise awareness and help save other children. Their terrible accident happened one morning in February 2003 when Kelsey was four and Toni was 10 months old.
While the girls played in the living room, their mum Tracey ran a bath, accidentally only turning on the hot tap. As she then made breakfast in the kitchen, the girls went into the bathroom unsupervised.Toni, who'd only just learnt to walk, pulled herself on to the edge of the bath. As she toppled into the five-inch deep hot water, she was burned from head to toe. Hearing her sister's screams, and with no thought for herself, Kelsey jumped into the bath to pull her out.
The girls, who are from Glasgow, were taken to the city's Royal Hospital For Sick Children. Kelsey remained there for two weeks, having burns on her legs, feet and lower body treated. Meanwhile, Toni was in Intensive Care in a drug-induced coma with third-degree burns over 65 per cent of her body. Doctors repeatedly told Tracey and the girls' dad John that she would die.
Amazingly, Toni pulled through and was finally discharged 10 months later. But her ordeal wasn't over. Since then, she has endured 40 skin grafts, with more to come. Now seven, Toni's scalp is partially bald and her eyes have never healed properly. However, her positive character and beautiful smile inspire all who meet her. Toni now attends mainstream school and loves Irish dancing and karate. Kelsey, who is 11, still bears faint scars but has remained devoted to her little sister, encouraging her through her treatment. Their brother Dale, 15, has also been very supportive.
Mark Stevenson, founder of the Scottish Burned Children's Club – a charity which supports the family and where Tracey now volunteers – says, "They are marvellous girls. Kelsey is so protective of Toni, which is wonderful to see." Tracey and John are desperate to warn other parents of the dangers of bathwater scalds. Every year 500 children are admitted to hospital and 2,000 attend A&E.
"It can happen in an instant but the effects last a lifetime," says Tracey. "I blame myself completely. Sometimes, I have flashbacks of the girls screaming. "Toni is grateful to Kelsey for what she did. Once, they were talking about the accident and she looked up at her and said, ‘You saved me'. Toni's my little miracle and Kelsey is my inspiration."