8-Year-Old ‘Angel’ Who Survived Crib Fire Raises over $200,000 for the Hospital That Treated Her

A youngster who suffered life-altering burns as a little girl moved the audience at an award ceremony with her relentless wisdom. She also made a special appearance on a morning show where she spoke about her interests and how she handled criticism.

Elizabeth Soffe was a young girl who was remarkably shy and humble. Her parents, Liam and Sinead Soffe considered her the pride, joy, and light of their lives. But there was something that made her incredibly special and different from other kids her age.

When Elizabeth was a little girl, the Soffes, who lived in the Middle East then, experienced a gut-wrenching incident that changed their lives forever.

Elizabeth, Sinead, and Liam Soffe on Good Morning Britain. | Source: facebook.com/GMB

Highly Unfortunate

The Soffes, originally from Dublin, Ireland, lived in the Middle East for three years before moving to the U.K. In 2014. The couple was staying in a villa in Doha, Qatar, when they underwent something unfortunate.

Since the hospital could not get funding, the Soffes said they sprang into action.

Liam recalled that Sinead had put baby Elizabeth in her crib one morning and left for a couple of seconds when the unthinkable happened. After almost 30 seconds, the mother heard her baby girl’s cries and hurried back into the room.

To the Rescue

By the time Sinead returned, she couldn’t believe her eyes — everything, including the crib, had caught fire. Liam said his wife acted immediately, leaning over to grab a six-month-old Elizabeth.

After that, he said she extinguished the flames, took the infant downstairs, and called an ambulance. Sinead shared that the harrowing incident happened due to a faulty air conditioning unit placed right above the crib.

Elizabeth Soffe, winner of the Child of Courage Award, in the winners room during the Pride of Birmingham Awards 2022 at University of Birmingham on March 07, 2022 in Birmingham, England. | Source: Getty Images

A Life-Changing Incident

The Soffes said the grueling fire changed everything for them in the blink of an eye, leaving their sweet girl with third-degree burns. Liam and Sinead left the Middle East afterward and moved to England so that their daughter could receive proper treatment.

The trio made a special appearance on “Good Morning Britain” in October 2022 and recalled the details of the spine-chilling incident. Elizabeth’s parents said their little girl was left fighting for her life following the terrifying ordeal.

Supporting a Noble Cause

Liam and Sinead said they lost everything in the fire and had to raise funds to look after Elizabeth and their other kids at the time. Drawing strength from their own experience and wishing to help others, the Soffes decided to fundraise for a special cause.

Liam revealed that the Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s specialist Burns Centre, where Elizabeth was treated, needed a laser machine to heal raised scars. Since the hospital could not get funding, the Soffes sprang into action.

With the help of their brave daughter running one mile a day for 26 days in a marathon, the Soffes were able to raise £200,000 (approximately $200,000), enabling the hospital to buy the much-needed equipment.

Sharing Her Interests

When the morning host asked young Elizabeth if she liked running, she shyly responded, “Not as much as I did before.” The youngster also shared that she enjoyed go-karting because it was dangerous and thrilling.

Moreover, Elizabeth said she loved racing, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was her favorite. When asked why she liked him, the eight-year-old girl replied, “Because he’s a Formula One Driver, and he’s like happy (sic).”

Handling Criticism

The “Good Morning Britain” hosts commended Elizabeth for her relentless strength and courage in the face of criticism she received in the school and in public. Upon being asked how she handled her critics, the young girl answered:

“I just ignore them and I walk away from them.”

GMB viewers were also touched by Elizabeth’s sheer wisdom and bravery and called her an “angel.”

In March 2022, Sophie Wessex opened a new charity research program at Swansea University, Wales. During the visit, she met Elizabeth, a young patron of the Scar Free Foundation. The Countess was all smiles as she hugged the brave survivor of the devastating accident.

A True Inspiration

On the evening of October 24, 2022, Elizabeth was honored with the Child of Courage Award at the Pride of Britain Awards in London. Her F1 hero, Ricciardo, presented her with the award. Judge Shirley hugged the youngster and said:

“I thank you for inspiring me. You are such an unbelievable spirit and we are all so proud.”

While receiving her award, Elizabeth touched the attendees with her lively spirit and gave a message to all those who considered themselves different. She said, “People who are mean to them, they don’t understand that you are better on the inside than them (sic).”

The Online Reaction

Many netizens were inspired by the young girl’s story and left encouraging comments for her on social media:

“Such an inspiration! You are blessed little one. Praying for God’s Mercy and Supernatural Healing over your life in Jesus name, Amen and Amen (sic).”

— (@oussie.owen) October 25, 2022

“Wt a wonderful little angel I have to say u have made people cry because u have given everyone something to look up to God bless you and your family and friends (sic).”

— (@100074297647960) October 25, 2022

“Such an inspiration to all stay strong wee one (sic).”

— (@carole.hutchison.31) October 25, 2022

Indeed, Elizabeth is a true fighter who didn’t let her circumstances define her. More power to you, beautiful girl. You are an inspiration to everyone, and we are in awe of your kind and loving heart.