The North Nowra resident and mother of two received burns to 24 per cent of her body after an accident in June, which is under investigation.

Ms O’Keefe was in Concord Hospital for six weeks, and was close to death twice.

She said the treatment she received was brilliant, as was her partner John’s support.

As well as an upcoming fundraising trivia night, the assistance she received has heartened Ms O’Keefe.

She described herself an independent person, but said she would like to thank the people who supported her and also the Nowra Lions Club, which will be organising the September 12 trivia night.

“I have been blown away by the support – it’s been incredible,” she said.

She said the help from her fellow SES volunteers was unbelievable.

“They have been doing everything they can to try to help us,” she said.

The meals and food parcels have been coming in.

Ms O’Keefe has full memory of the moment her life changed forever and does not know if she will make a full recovery.

Her speech is barely a whisper, but considering where it started, her recovery is amazing.

When she becomes dispirited and needs a lift, she looks at the horrific pictures taken just after the incident.

The scarring is still visible and she could need plastic surgery.

She is in constant pain, has little flexibility in her hands, restricted movement in her left leg and suffers from fatigue.

Her skin is fragile and easily breaks out in blisters.

She is not sure when she will be to return to work as a medical secretary because she needs her voice.

Ms O’Keefe’s two children are still angry and upset with what happened to their mum.

The medical costs are mounting and Ms O’Keefe wants to be able to afford to give her children the things they need.

Things are hard, but she is determined to keep on going.

“I just want to get back to normal,” she said.

Funds from the trivia night will be used to cover medication and transport costs for treatment.

The trivia night will be held at the Nowra Golf Club starting at 7.30pm.

The cost is $10 per person for tables of eight to 10 people.

There will be heaps of prizes on offer, raffles, lucky door prize, and fun games like a dummy spitting competition.

To book a table or make a donation call Jack on 4421 3469.

Ms O’Keefe took a big step towards recovery on the weekend and attended the ‘000’ Ball.

Ms O’Keefe was nervous, but looking forward to socialising.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Burns victim Sharon O’Keefe goes over the details of an upcoming trivia night with Lions Club member Jack Fisher.