Brave Luton burns survivor celebrates her 18th birthday in style

She and her family were given a tour of the town in a stretch limo – complete with non-alcoholic blue fizz.

And her arrival at her celebratory lunch at the Inn on the Loch was heralded by bagpipe player Andrew Weymouth.

Shamiam and her siblings Shakaib, Shamaita and Manoor were treated to a week of water sports at the hotel, which is situated on Auchenreoch Loch.

They had a whale of a time on jet skis, trying out innovative flyboarding and tearing across the water on a giant inflatable settee pulled by a power boat.

Shamiam was a tiny tot when she arrived in this country for life-saving treatment after being badly burned in a tragic accident.

She lost both hands and her skull was burned down to the lining of her brain.

But in spite of her serious injuries - which have meant countless skin grafts, operations and procedures - her can-do attitude and sunny smile dazzle everyone she meets.

She’s about to start her final year of media studies at Barnfield College where she was student of her year in 2019.

John McGoldrick, head of the Shamiam Arif Appeal Fund (formed to fund her treatment when she and her family came to the UK), said: “She’s such a star. It’s hard to believe she’s 18.

“Shamiam has travelled such a bumpy road in those short years. And we’re delighted to have had the privilege to be involved and help in small ways as she moves forward in her life.

“The Dumfries folks and all the hotel team were so impressed with Shamiam and her family - we all enjoyed the visit.”