Houghton-le-Spring burn survivor's Bonfire night warning

Connor, then 15, had been messing around with aerosols at a friend’s house in a moment of madness when he was left with the full thickness burns to 90 per cent of his body.

He was left needing more than 100 operations, spending almost a year in hospital including six weeks in a coma.

Connor with his sister Ceri during his recovery at the RVI in Newcastle around in winter 2009/2010. (Image: FAMILY)

He also endured kidney failure, a collapsed lung, and an infection in his right leg, which nearly needed to be amputated.

His burns were so severe that, although he was deemed a child, he was moved to the adults’ ward at the RVI in Newcastle.

Ahead of Bonfire Night Connor, from Houghton-le-Spring, has urged teenagers not to make the same life-changing mistake he did 14-years-ago.

Connor with mum Carol and dad Neil during his recovery in hospital. (Image: FAMILY)

“One moment of madness nearly cost me my life,” the 29-year-old said.

“Stop and think about it. The serious consequences are here in front of you to see, in my own life-changing burns. I don’t wish this to ever happen to anybody else.

“It’s always going to be there in the back of my mind that I’ve got these scars that I’ll have to live with them for the rest of my life.

“Even if one young person decides to make a conscious U-turn and change their life after hearing my story then it would be worth it.”

Connor with finance Beth. (Image: CONNOR ROWNTREE)

Connor, who now works as a bus driver mentor, has since set up the Connor Rowntree Project, which helps burns survivors and their families who are experiencing a similar journey to himself. He has also worked with Katie Piper's Foundation which helps people recovering from burns.

He said: “I want to raise awareness to people the dangers of playing with fire and messing about with aerosols on Bonfire Night. 

“It’s all about the young people being responsible for their own actions. The potential injuries don’t just affect the victim themselves but everyone around them.”

Connor with Simon Cowell and Katie Piper, whose foundation also assists those recovering from burns. (Image: FAMILY)

Figures from the Tyne and Wear Fire Service showed last year deliberate fires in public areas, such as rubbish or wheelie bin blazes – increased 94 per cent over the school holidays and Bonfire weekend.

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Many of those are associated with anti-social behaviour, firefighters said, often carried out by young people putting the public at risk.

Jonathan Ramanayake, from the fire service’s education team said: “We are fortunate to have inspirational people like Connor, who are willing to tell their life story for the benefit of others. 

“To work hand-in-hand alongside the Fire Service to help raise awareness of the dangers of playing with fire and other dangerous materials during times like Bonfire Night.

“We would urge young people and their families to attend officially organised bonfire and firework displays, and not to play with fireworks at home as the consequences can be truly life changing.”