Scarred For Life By a Cuppa

Emma just turned her back for a moment...

- Joe Cusack

My daughter Libbie toddled around the living room, carrying her favourite dolly and chattering away. 

‘Go sleep, dolly,’ she said sternly. ‘Go sleep now.’ 

I had to giggle. Libbie, 16 months, was always on the move, busy with her toys.

Her two older brothers Connor, 8, and Rhys, 2, were lazing on the couch, watching TV.

Libbie was definitely the boss of our family – including me and her dad Brandan, 31!

A real bright spark, she was headstrong, but well-behaved.

Then, one afternoon in January this year, Connor was just home from school, and he, Rhys and Libbie were playing happily in the living room. So I invited my friend Gemma round to keep me company.

‘I’ll just make us a cuppa,’ 

I smiled, going into the kitchen.

I flicked on the kettle and, as the water boiled, I popped a teabag in the first cup and poured in the water.

Slow motion

Then, as I turned to grab another mug, Libbie ran into the kitchen. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her reach up and pull at the cup handle.

I froze in horror as the scalding liquid splashed all over my little girl.

Although it all happened in a couple of seconds, it seemed like slow motion.

‘No!’ I cried, reaching out to her, but it was too late.

Libbie was screaming in agony, and I was totally panic-stricken.