Bradford Student's Remarkable Recovery After Shampoo Fire Horror
A young woman from Bradford who suffered catastrophic burns across half her body and lost seven fingers when her lice shampoo caught fire is now training to become a counsellor to help others through trauma.
Life-Changing Accident at Just Twelve Years Old
Aleema Ali, now 21, was only 12 years old when her life changed forever in December 2016. Returning home from boarding school for the Christmas break, she had contracted nits and her mother applied a medicated shampoo treatment. The product contained highly flammable ingredients that would lead to unimaginable consequences.
"When my hair caught fire, my mum just started screaming," Aleema recalled. "I didn't know what was going on at first, as it was just my hair that was on fire, so I didn't feel any pain. Then I saw my reflection in the window, and stood frozen in shock."
Six Weeks in a Coma and Nine Months Hospitalisation
As Aleema walked past the lit hob in her family kitchen, the flammable treatment ignited, engulfing her hair in flames. The fire rapidly spread to her scalp and body. Her quick-thinking sister, who was eight months pregnant at the time, dragged her outside and used a delivery man's jacket to smother the flames.
The accident left Aleema with severe burns covering 50% of her body. She spent six weeks in a medically induced coma and nine months in hospital, where she underwent daily surgeries. "When the paramedic lay me down in the ambulance I screamed at him to put me to sleep because I couldn't cope with the pain," she said. "The next thing I remember is waking up six weeks later."
Learning Basic Functions Again
Upon awakening, Aleema faced the daunting task of relearning fundamental life skills. "I felt like I was back to being a baby," she explained, "as I had to learn to walk, talk and feed myself again." Her family initially urged her not to look in mirrors, concerned about the psychological impact of seeing her changed appearance.
Three months after the accident, in March 2017, Aleema finally gathered the courage to view her reflection. "My parents told me not to look in the mirror, as I looked so different," she said. "They really helped me to prepare, so when I finally looked at my reflection, it wasn't that hard, as I'd already imagined the worst."
Ongoing Challenges and Remarkable Resilience
Aleema continues to face daily challenges, particularly with tasks requiring manual dexterity. Losing seven fingers means she struggles with activities like tying her hair or opening jars. She still requires surgeries, recently having skin taken from her groin to create ear flaps so she can wear earrings.
"Nine years on, I still have bad days, when everyone stares at me in the street it's really hard," Aleema admitted. "But I'm getting better at coping. My accident has made me and my family so much more resilient, and open minded."
Transforming Trauma into Purpose
Now studying at university, Aleema is training to become a counsellor, determined to use her traumatic experience to support others facing similar challenges. She shares her journey on social media under the handle @aleemaxali, initially facing cruel comments but now finding acceptance and community.
"It was so hard joining a new school when I looked so different to everyone else," she said about her return to education after being homeschooled for a year. Today, Aleema represents extraordinary resilience, transforming personal tragedy into a mission to help others navigate their own difficult journeys.
