A man who suffered burns to around 75% of his body when a robot vacuum exploded in his face has reached a major recovery milestone.
Lachie Perrem has had his feeding tube removed and is making “great progress” in hospital, according to his mum.
The man was left critically injured when the robotic cleaning device blew up in the kitchen of his home.
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His mother, Fiona Perrem, has now shared “another positive update” on his recovery, as reported by Need To Know.
She said: “His grafts are healing well, and the physio team is extremely happy with his progress, especially with the movement in his hands.
“Today was another big milestone as his feeding tube was removed.
“His face and neck are healing really well too.
“Every step forward is a huge achievement, and we’re so grateful for the incredible care he’s receiving and for everyone’s ongoing support, encouragement and donations.
“Thank you all for continuing to stand by Lachie and our family as he continues his recovery.”
The update follows a third operation, which involved further debriding and skin grafts to Lachie’s fingers, left elbow and torso.
Several days later, Lachie, from Brabham, Perth, Australia, was able to leave his hospital room briefly and spend time outside in a courtyard.
Fiona said: “Yesterday was a special milestone, as he was able to spend a short time outside in the hospital courtyard to enjoy some fresh air.
“It may seem like a small thing, but moments like these mean so much.
“Every day Lachie continues to make progress.
“We know there is still a long road ahead, but we’re incredibly grateful for each improvement and for the ongoing support, kindness and prayers from everyone.”
The explosion happened at Lachie’s home on 2 July.
He was placed under sedation in hospital after suffering burns to approximately 75% of his body.
His family said he faced multiple surgeries, extensive treatment, rehabilitation and months of recovery.
The explosion also left Lachie, his fiancée and their housemates without a home.
Fiona launched a GoFundMe to help cover his living expenses, housing, rehabilitation costs and financial commitments, including repayments on his car.
The appeal has so far raised A$44,520 of its A$55,000 target through 498 donations.
Fiona wrote: “While our focus is on helping him survive and heal, life outside the hospital doesn’t stop.
“Bills continue to arrive, and he still has financial commitments, including the repayments on his car.
“We want to ease as much of that burden as possible so that, when he wakes and begins his recovery, he can focus entirely on getting better instead of worrying about losing everything he has worked so hard for.”
Lachie’s business, The Tradie Vault, has also been placed on hold while he recovers.
A statement on its Facebook page said: “This is without a doubt the hardest post I’ve ever had to write.
“Lachie has been involved in a horrific incident and is now in ICU, where he’s fighting one of the biggest battles of his life.
“Because of this, The Tradie Vault is going to be at a standstill for a little while.
“Since starting The Tradie Vault, we’ve always believed the tradie community looks after its own.
“Today, I’m asking you to stand with Lachie and help us support him through the toughest battle of his life.”
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