Celebrity chef Matt Golinski who survived a house fire that claimed the lives of his wife and three daughters has spoken publicly for the first time since the Boxing Day tragedy.
Eight months since the former Ready Steady Cook regular escaped the horrific accident with severe burns to 40 percent of his body, he is still searching for a reason behind his miraculous survival.
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“I have no idea why I was spared from the fire but I am determined to look forward and live a life that would make them proud,” he told News Ltd papers.
“To say my world has been turned upside down is an understatement. Although the loss of my family is unfathomable, at this stage of my recovery, I am simply grateful to be alive and to be alive and to have experienced the love of my beautiful wife and three daughters.”
Mr Golinski has said he chose to grant the interview as a way of thanking the local community for their support.
Although he says he appreciates the high level of media interest in the story, he has decided not to comment further as he works out what the next stage of his life might entail and continued his recovery.
“I am thankful for the respect and privacy that has been afforded to me whilst I focus on my recovery and work out what the future may entail. Physically I am getting stronger every day but emotionally it is still very difficult,” he said in a statement to media.
“My world has been turned upside down. Rest, medication, and the time to process all that has happened are important aspects of my healing.”
Mr Golinski has made progress in the eight months since the horrific incident, leaving hospital in April.
A condition common to severe burns survivors which causes bone to form in soft tissue around the joints in his elbows, has caused Mr Golinski limited mobility in his arms, so he has been unable to return to work at his Sunshine Coast catering business, but has managed to get back into some other hobbies.
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Picking up the guitar again has been a source of joy for Mr Golinski , who has strong memories attached to playing the instrument.
“Music was a big part of our family’s life with my wife Rachael, and our daughters Willow, Sage, Starlia and me regularly jamming and dancing in the lounge room,” he said.
“I am finding some solace in being able to play again.”
Mr Golinski said he is very grateful for the support proided to him during these past eight months, and appreciates the interest in his story, but at this point, he isn’t emotionally or physically ready to tell it.
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