READ: The inspirational story of Carrie McArthur, the only survivor of a house fire that wiped out her entire family, who has grown up to have seven children

Carrie McArthur first hit headlines in May 1992, when a horrific fire swept through her Kidwelly home, killing her two sisters, brother and mother.

WNS_250214_Carrie_McArthur_08

by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

A mere schoolgirl, 8-year-old Carrie was saved by a brave paramedic who fought through the flames to get to her - but was left with 90 per cent burns after her ordeal.

Speaking of the fire, Carrie says: 'I lost the four people I was closest to - I was only eight and they were gone for ever.'

But amazingly, Carrie has recovered from this tragedy to have seven children of her own, filling her home with laughter and happiness.

Carrie after she was released from hospital, aged 8
Carrie after she was released from hospital, aged 8

'I can't replace them [her family] but I have been lucky enough to have my children and they are everything to me.'

And Carrie is sure to instil these values in her children; Thomas, nine, Brendan, eight, Harley, seven, Cody, six, Tianna, five, Lewis, four, and six-month-old Lucas.

'I am raising them to appreciate what they have in life they are lucky to have.'

'I will teach them to treasure every day and cherish the family around you.'

'I will teach them to treasure every day and cherish the family around you.'

Despite her horrific burns and taunts from bullies growing up, Carrie has said she still felt glad to be alive, even when people would call her cruel names like 'scarface.'

'I remember looking in the mirror - I thought I looked like an alien. It was difficult, but I was glad that I was alive.'

'I used to cry all the time. I would just walk off crying. There is nothing you can do when six of seven people are shouting names at you.'

'I thought I looked like an alien. It was difficult, but I was glad that I was alive.'

The young mum is scarred all over her body, and has no toes on her left foot, but says proudly that her scars have made her the person she is today.

Despite her obvious strength, Carrie says she still remains terrified of fire.

'I have never lit a match. I'm too scared. What happens if it drops? I couldn't do it.'

Back in 1992, Carrie was in her bedroom at 9.20pm when an inferno ripped through the family home in Wales.

Her mother Susan, 28, sisters Christine, nine, Adele, eight and her brother Robert, five, all died in the blaze.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us