If there’s one word Turia Pitt is synonymous with, it’s resilience.
In September 2011, the mining engineer was participating in an ultra-marathon in Western Australia’s Kimberley region when she and three other runners became trapped by a huge grassfire. Pitt’s injuries were horrific; she suffered burns to 65 per cent of her body, and had four of her fingers and a thumb amputated.
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For the next two years, Pitt had to wear a full-body compression suit with a mask to help her body begin the long road to recovery. She has since endured more than 200 surgeries, and has been told she must undergo up to four operations per year over the next decade.
“It’s something I just have to accept, it’s a part of my life now. For me, it’s just like doing house work or washing the car. It’s something that I have to do,” the 27-year-old tells the Daily Telegraph.
“If I wanted, I could have surgeries back to back but I want to have a normal life too. I want to be able to go to the beach or catch up with friends.”
Most recently, Pitt underwent reconstructive surgery on her nose, but the procedure wasn't without complications. She was transferred to the intensive care ward when she unexpectedly stopped breathing on the table, and woke up with her mother and partner by her bedside. Thankfully, Pitt has recovered and is now enjoying her new nose.