THE wife of a North Yorkshire man who suffered horrific burns while on holiday today told how the efforts of well-wishers moved her to tears.

Burns victim Bernard Earnshaw's wife Christine flew home with him last Wednesday after 34 days at his bedside in a Portuguese hospital.

She spoke of her great relief to be back home in Norton and thanked all the people who had contributed to the rescue fund.

"When I got back and saw the letters and realised what had been going on I wept because it was so touching," she said.

"It is going to be a big step when he finally comes home as his needs are going to be different but we can't wait."

Two weeks ago The Evening Press reported Clare Weatherill's fundraising efforts to raise the money for an emergency medical flight for her father from Portugal to London.

Bernard received 45 per cent third degree burns to his body when a can of barbecue lighter fluid exploded in his hand while on holiday in the Algarve.

Local businesses, friends and members of the public pledged money and support, after Clare announced a fund-raising drive which included a sponsored walk around Malton and Norton and a car boot sale in Wigginton.

Bernard underwent eight operations, including six skin grafts, while in hospital, and at one stage doctors said it was unlikely he would survive.

Christine said although the work done by Portuguese surgeons was excellent, Bernard was isolated and confused for much of his time in hospital.

"They had him in total isolation and we had to speak to him through a telephone," she said.

"He became very confused after being on the respirator for two weeks and thought he was in England.

"I think he had shut himself in and his mental health was deteriorating fast. That was the reason to get him home quickly."

Bernard and Christine flew into Heathrow airport last week and he was taken to Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield.

The total journey took a marathon 16 hours during which Bernard was heavily sedated.

Christine said the journey was very uncomfortable for him but well worth it.

"He is just so happy to be home," she said. "He keeps repeating it over and over again."

Updated: 08:35 Friday, August 17, 2001