A COURAGEOUS Kidderminster woman who suffered horrific burns after a freak accident while on holiday in France has returned to her home following three months of hospital treatment.

Pat Donegan, who lives in Hurcott Road, is fighting back after receiving 40 per cent burns when an unlit barbecue exploded in June.

It is believed the high summer temperatures caused the steel barbecue to overheat and cause a reaction with the ignition fuel.

The brave 58-year-old was placed in an induced coma to enable her to be flown to Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital.

She was unconscious for three weeks and suffered heart failure on three occasions after contracting pneumonia.

Mrs Donegan has undergone five operations since the accident, which left her with severe burns to her legs and lower chest.

The grandmother has now called for people to be aware of the dangers that barbecue lighter fuels carry and wants them to be banned.

She said: "At first, I just kept on asking 'why did this had to happen to me?' I feel so much better now but there is still a long way to go. I am glad to be back home.

"The treatment, both in Birmingham and Toulouse, was just fantastic. I can't praise them highly enough."

Dave Donegan, Pat's husband, said the experience has not put the couple off, one day, fulfilling their dream and moving to France. He added: "A former Army doctor who treated Pat in Birmingham told me that he has seen soldiers with lesser injuries scream and complain more. That is how brave she has been."