Burn survivor's rollercoaster year after Chippenham gas explosion

Kyle’s mum, Tracey explained the challenges that they have had to face as a family, and the next steps in her son’s recovery.

She said: “Kyle has been struggling mentally since the explosion, and with the anniversary being this week, it is a very hard time.

“The hardest part for him is trying to accept what his new life is going to be compared to what it would have been. He was a very sporty person, very outgoing and he had a career. He had a motorbike that he loved which he will never ride again.

“He doesn’t like how his body now looks, and he must accept he looks different, which he hasn’t yet.

“Morrisons have been extremely supportive and have said Kyle’s job is there if he is ready to go back to work, but we don’t know if Kyle will ever be well enough to work.”

Since the explosion, Kyle’s dad, Chris, has become his full time carer, and his three brothers, Kallum, 22, Connor, 13, and Findlay, eight, have also found it tough coming to terms with Kyle’s injuries.

“Our family and our friends have all been amazing and we wouldn’t have got though the last year with out them.

“Sheldon School gave Connor counselling and have been absolutely amazing, they have really looked after him.

“Kyle has also had support from Dan’s Funds for Burns and The Katie Piper Foundation, so they have been there for him.”

Ahead of more surgery in November, the family home is undergoing renovations.

Mrs Roe said: “We are having the house adapted at the moment. We are having another bedroom built and a wet room put in.”

An HSE investigation into the cause of the explosion is still going on.

Mrs Roe said: “Kyle is very focused on the prosecutions because he did nothing wrong

except turn a light switch on.”

A HSE spokesman said: “HSE’s investigation into the explosion at Market Place in Chippenham is ongoing. Due to this being a live investigation, we are unable to comment further at this time.”