Golinski speaks of fire tragedy
Celebrity chef Matt Golinski has spoken for the first time about losing his wife and three daughters in a Boxing Day fire last year.
The former Ready, Steady Cook regular says he wants to make his family proud, convinced he survived the fire that tore through his Queensland home eight months ago for a reason.
"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 the Courier Mail.
"I want to honour the memory of Rachael and our girls by finding a silver lining somewhere in these dark clouds.
"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 have experienced the love of my beautiful wife and three daughters."
Mr Golinksi was released from hospital in April and has not been able to return to work at his Sunshine Coast catering business.
"Although I'm really keen to get back into the kitchen, time will tell as to when and if that can happen," he said.
"The emotional and financial support offered from my dearest friends to that of complete strangers is overwhelming.
"I am still coming to terms with it and cannot believe the levels of generosity and kindness that exist in the world.
"I am grateful to the outstanding efforts of the team at the RBWH who literally saved my life and to my family and friends for their unconditional support over these past, gruelling months. Knowing that people care has really helped me to cope."
While Mr Golinski suffered severe burns to 40 per cent of his body, he says improvement is occurring daily - however, he admits the emotional scarring is extremely tough to cope with.
"Burns recovery is a slow process and can take several years. Physically I am getting stronger every day, but emotionally it is still very difficult."
