Inspiring story of Pippie Kruger: Resilient fighter turns 16

IN 2011, a family braai turned into a nightmare for the Kruger family when their daughter Pippie, then two, sustained 80% burns when a fire starter gel exploded on New Year's Eve.

- ZELDA VENTER

But the survivor celebrated her 16th birthday last week, and besides all the hardships she had to endure, she is a happy teenager.

Her mother, Anice Kruger, described Pippie as the love of her life, and although she cannot walk or go to school, the mother said she would never describe her child as being handicapped.

“To me, she is just perfect as she is,” she said.

The freak fire had devoured almost all of her skin, and after 77 operations over the years, her family decided enough was enough.