Vigil kept for burns victim

By KATH GANNAWAY
EIGHTYTWOyearold Elaine Brennan is not expected to live after suffering severe burns at her Gladysdale home last week.
Mrs Brennan was rushed by air ambulance to The Alfred after a candle she was reading by ignited her clothing.
The accident happened about 1.30pm on Wednesday.
The home was one of many hundreds left without power when storms hit the Yarra Valley the previous night.
Coming just two months after the death of Mrs Brennan’s husband, Niall, the tragic accident has shocked the Upper Yarra community where the Brennan family has lived for more than 50 years.
Mrs Brennan’s son Patrick said yesterday (Monday) that his mother was peaceful, with the family keeping a vigil by her bedside.
Yarra Junction paramedic Rick Mitchell praised the actions of Mrs Brennan’s son, Peter, who was first on the scene. He said he had acted quickly and done all the right things to reduce the impact of the burns.
“If he didn’t save her life, he certainly saved her from even more severe burns,” he said.
Patrick Brennan said his brother had dashed out to get a lamp and returned to find the kitchen full of smoke.
He said Mrs Brennan suffered Parkinson’s Disease and had had a second major hip operation, which affected her mobility.
While the family is distressed and shocked by their mother’s ordeal, Mr Brennan said they were taking comfort in her spirit and her everenduring sense of humour.
“She is very peaceful and has great faith in the universe that (what lies ahead) will be quite an interesting journey,” he said.
“Like all of us, she is also a bit nervous.”