Turia Pitt, a former model, was participating in a marathon in Australia when she became trapped in a bush fire. She suffered extensive burns on 65% of her body, and her doctors were uncertain about her survival. In the face of this adversity, her boyfriend, Michael Hoskin, made the decision to leave his job as a police officer and dedicate himself to taking care of her around the clock. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, he remained steadfastly by her side.
“I remember thinking about Michael”
Turi has had 200 surgeries since the fire. Besides suffering from extensive burns, she also lost seven fingers and took two years to recover. Pitt described her memories of the fire as a “rising sense of panic.”
I recall the scorching sun in Kimberley, scorching my skin. I recall sitting on a bull ant nest by mistake. I watched in bewilderment as the ants crawled all over my legs. I tried to drink water but it was too hot. I saw pieces of my skin stuck to the rocks and spinifex.
Her mind kept going back to her boyfriend. She recalled, “I was thinking of Michael, my Michael. I was reminding myself to focus on his kind face, his sweet voice, his tan skin. Just keep thinking about Michael… I remember the sun going down, the warmth fading, the air turning chilly. I remember saying, ‘I’m not sure how much longer I can stay’. And then, I remember feeling saved.”
A helicopter appeared as the ultimate savior in that critical moment. Pitt later discovered that the pilot, Paul Cripp, had bravely risked his life to rescue her and a small group of runners. “He truly saved me,” Pitt expressed gratefully. “He flew me towards assistance, to medical professionals, and the comforting coolness of a hospital environment, along with a refreshing glass of water. Little did I realize the immense danger he faced while maneuvering the chopper down the treacherous gorge to reach us. The incredible feat of balancing the helicopter on just one skid was a testament to his sheer courage and exceptional expertise.”
“You’re beautiful”
Michael proposed to Turia in 2015, presenting her with a diamond ring that he had bought during her time in intensive care four years earlier. Turia had to wear a mask for two years to assist in her healing process. During this challenging period, Michael consistently reassured her, saying, “You’re beautiful.” Their wedding took place in 2016, and since then, their happiness knows no bounds. The past seven years have been difficult, but their love has triumphed through it all.
Turia Pitt expressed her newfound appreciation for sleeping next to her partner. Previously, she never gave it much thought, but now she considers herself incredibly fortunate to share a bed with such a wonderful man. She describes him as a good guy and acknowledges her luck in having him. According to Turia, waking up beside Michael every day is a blessing.
Since the fire, the couple has been collaborating to reconstruct and progress. Michael mentioned, “Rather than seeking sympathy, she simply desires to continue living her life. She’s truly remarkable and stunning.”
During the interview, Michael was questioned if he had ever considered the possibility of parting ways with her, hiring someone to look after her, and moving forward with his own life.
He replied, “I have united with her soul, her personality, and she is the only woman who will keep making my dreams come true.”
Turia expressed her excitement about their engagement in a heartfelt post, saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled to have this amazing man by my side! He brings out the best in me, and I’m eagerly looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together.”
Turia shared the exciting news on Instagram in 2017 about expecting their first child. Despite not participating in a marathon that year, she reassured everyone that she was still maintaining her fitness routine.
Michael and Turia welcomed their first son, Hakavai, on December 7, 2017. Then, on February 9, 2020, they became parents to their second son, Rahiti.
Turia shared her thoughts on how her relationship with Michael transformed after becoming parents.
Michael has consistently shown me the importance of seeing the bigger picture, from my journey to recovery to our roles as parents. Although I enjoy pushing myself and motivating others to do the same, I believe that the key to a fulfilling life lies in the relationships we build with those around us.
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