A mum trying to create school holiday magic has passed away in a devastating accident that her two children watched unfold.
Charlotte Rose-Ann Hill, 38, had been setting up a backyard BBQ at her Sydney home to roast marshmallows.
Her son, 11 and daughter, 7, had been nearby basking in their break from school when their mother’s screams brought it all to a screeching halt.
“Thankfully her children were not harmed because they were in the backyard at the time. They were so brave and so heroic in those moments. Bianca Hill, cousin to Charlotte, told news.com.au.
Charlotte had caught alight, as her children watched on, horrified and desperate to help save her life.
“I’m actually extremely proud of the way that they handled the situation despite how traumatic it would have been for them,” Bianca told news.com.au.
“Her youngest daughter screamed. She screamed the loudest she has ever screamed in her life to alert their dad, who was getting ready to go to work.”
The bravery of Charlotte’s son is admirable beyond measure.
“[He] used his jacket to try and put out the fire on his mum,” Bianca recounted.
Their father was able to provide first aid until first responders arrived.
Charlotte suffered serious burns to her face and her hands.
Bianca was able to arrive and assist with Charlotte’s transfer to hospital, while the children remained with their dad.
“I actually jumped in the ambulance with her and she was in so much agony,” the cousin recalled.
“Watching someone that you love suffer like that… it seriously broke me.”
Even in the depths of pain Bianca recalls being able to still make Charlotte laugh and stay in good spirits.
“This is the last time I was with my cousin. I’m glad I was there, but I’m sad I was there,” she said.
Charlotte was able to pull through her initial surgery, but she unfortunately wasn’t out of the woods.
The family had been full of hope that her condition had been improving.
“A couple of hours later I received the worst phone call you can get,” Bianca revealed.
Charlotte was found by medical staff unresponsive, subcoming to the injuries cause by the fire.
“We’ll never hear her laugh again,” Bianca said.
“We’re just so deeply heartbroken for her children.”
Her family has been left reflecting on the beautiful life Charlotte led and the loving role she had as a mother.
“She broke hearts with her beautiful smile. Anywhere she went, people were just in awe of how absolutely stunning this girl is. Not just on the outside, but she was always just such a generous and very kind person with the biggest heart,” Bianca said.
“She’d do anything to make her kids day. She would literally do anything at all just to make sure they have a happy childhood”.
The loss is particularly devastating because Charlotte witnessed her own mother’s death as a child.
“She just never ever wanted her children to have to go through the same traumatic pain that loss brought her,” Bianca explained.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the absolute power behind building a village, for every mother, particularly when they’re taken from the lives of their children too soon.
“It’s important for all of us to hold hands as a village and support,” Bianca emphasised.
“Even if it’s not your kid, if it’s someone, you know, someone you know who’s gone through something like that, it’s just kindness is just key to so many things, but especially for children growing up.”
Bianca has started a GoFundMe, to support the children and their future ahead.
“It’s just so that they can continue healing, going about their educational goals and just getting through this in the best possible way with as much help as they can receive,” she explained.
“It means so much that there’s a part of Charlotte that’s here. I can continue on that legacy for her by bringing them as much happiness and as much stability that I can from my position.”
Read related topics:Sydney