Burns victim has fight to bounce back

BRAVE . . . James Roberts

A FAMILY left horrified after a teenager suffered horrendous burns in a work accident say they are confident he will pull through the ordeal.

Apprentice mechanic James Roberts (18) was burning rubbish at Trent Mill Garage, Shaw, when his clothes caught fire.

He is now receiving specialist treatment in the burns unit at Wythenshawe Hospital after suffered major burns to his face, chest and arms in the incident last week.

James, known to his friends as Chesney after the “Coronation Street” character, suffered 20 per cent burns.

James’s mum, Anita (40) said her son is a fighter.

“James was born with a kidney condition and, at one point, we didn’t even know if he would survive,” she added.

“He’s had lots of operations, spent hours of his life in hospital and missed most of high school. Then he went to Hopwood Hall College for his mechanics course and he’s excelled. He never missed a day and was recently offered the apprenticeship at the garage. Then this happens.”

His dad, Nigel (46) said: “When he passed his exams I burst into tears — we are so proud of him.”

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the incident at the garage on the Duchess Street industrial estate.

James, who lives with his family in Gillemere Grove, Shaw, is now in a stable condition. The keen roller-blader and BMX rider is being assessed by doctors who hope he will not have to undergo skin grafts.

Anita added: “We don’t blame anyone for what happened and would like to thank those who helped.”

Among them was James’ colleague Dale Ainley (31) who used his bare hands to put out the flames.

Nigel said: “James said if it wasn’t for Dale he wouldn’t be here now. We want to say a massive thank-you to everyone at the garage and the emergency services for all they did.”