Terri Calvesbert begins a new life 14 yrs after she got 'burnt beyond recognition' by accidental fire ignited by her mother

Terri Calvesbert nearly died from 90 per cent burns after the fire when she was just 23 months old whereby her mother accidentally left a cigarette in her bedroom

Terri Calvesbert nearly died from 90 per cent burns after the fire when she was just 23 months old when her mother accidentally left a lit cigarette in her bedroom.

Firefighters attending the scene thought they had found a 'charred doll' when they saw Terri's body. Horrifically, the only part of her body that escaped burns was the patch of skin protected by her wet nappy.

Doctors at specialist burns unit in Chelmsford thought Terri Calvesbert, then just 18 months old, would die from the burns, but incredibly, she pulled through.

Terri lost her hair, nose and eyelids in the devastating blaze. 

Her mother, Ms Minter, then 32, was so wracked with guilt after the episode that she cut off almost all contact with her husband and daughter. The two have since discussed the incident and Ms Minter says Terri has forgiven her.

Scarred for life: Terri Calvesbert nearly died from 90 per cent burns after the fire when she was just 23 months old whereby her mother accidentally left a cigarette in her bedroom

Terri now lives with her father Paul, a community fire volunteer and stepmother Nicky.

Ms Minter left the family just two months after the accident, and Terri has had more than 50 painful operations since then to stretch her scarred skin.

The teenager, who wears a blonde wig, will continue to need surgery and skin grafts for the rest of her life.

Her plight has touched thousands of hearts and donations have poured in from all over the world.

Inspiring courage: Young Terri meets Prince Charles at St James's Palace in 2001

when Terri arrived at the school prom at All Manor of Events at Henley she was the star of the show as she was cheered by her school friends. 

The teenager is now hoping to relax during the summer before learning how she has done in her GCSE exams when the results come out next month.

Terri is planning to go on to study animal care at Otley College, Ipswich, in September to open the next chapter in her life.

Paul said he had been very proud to see his daughter go off to the prom and enjoy life like any other teenager.

'She loved it.

'She's been a bit tired after a couple of busy days but she's really been able to enjoy herself,' he said.

A big send off: Terri's dad Paul and wife Nicky and her grandparents Mick and Margaret gathered to watch her head off for prom. Paul said he had been very proud to see his precious daughter go off to the prom and enjoy life like any other teenager

Culled from DAILY MAIL