Home blaze baby on mend
A BABY girl who was badly burnt with her mum and brother when they were doused with petrol and set alight is on the mend in a new home furnished completely by community donations.
Shanaya Mara, five months, no longer sports the bandages that covered her tiny body for weeks after the October 28 incident, while burns specialists in Townsville have decided she will not need skin grafts.
Her mum Jean Aruba, who also suffered burns to her face, neck and fingers, said it had been a nightmare to watch her baby go through such agony.
"She's my little miracle, so very brave and strong," Ms Aruba said.
"She just had to have painkiller after painkiller.
"But she's doing well now. Even her beautiful long eyelashes have grown back."
She said she did not know how to thank the dozens of strangers who had given furniture, linen, crockery, clothes and toys to help her set up a new home for her and her six young children.
"I didn't know people could care so much," Ms Aruba said.
"I could not believe the transformation to make this a home. It was like a dream come true."
Ms Aruba’s partner Eccles Tomken Mara, 32, has been charged with four counts of attempted murder as well as arson, grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning bodily harm after allegedly setting alight members of his family and then burning their Earlville home.
Co-ordinator of the community appeal Frances Snedden said she was amazed at the response, with more than 60 people giving items or services.
"It's quite remarkable we were able to furnish an entire house in less than a week," Ms Snedden said.
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Home: The Aruba family (from left) Miriam, 4, Alice, 8, Eccles, 6, Connileos, 3, Shanaya, five months, Anthony, 9, and Jean at their new home.
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