Turia Pitt’s life dramatically changed ten years ago when she suffered burns to 65% of her body during an ultra-marathon in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Reflecting on the decade since that life-threatening event, Pitt has shared her harrowing story of survival, describing the intense “bubbling feeling of panic” she experienced as her skin burned and peeled away.
Despite enduring immense physical and emotional pain, she has transformed her life, finding gratitude in the mundane and embracing each moment.
Now 34, Turia Pitt’s story is one of resilience and strength, demonstrating how she overcame unimaginable adversity to rebuild her life.
“I remember the hot Kimberley sun beating down, burning my already burnt skin,” she said on her website.
“I remember accidentally sitting on a bull ant nest. Staring in confusion as the ants started swarming across my legs.
“I remember trying to drink some water but spitting it out because it was boiling hot.
“I remember seeing bits of my skin stuck to the rocks and spinifex.”
During the ordeal, Turia Pitt was not alone; she was with a small group of runners, all desperately fighting for survival.
In an effort to help her and another injured runner, Kate Anderson, the group constructed a makeshift parasol to provide some much-needed shade.
Amid the intense heat and pain, Pitt’s thoughts turned to her partner, Michael Hoskin.
Throughout her recovery journey, Hoskin has remained a steadfast source of support, and Pitt often speaks about the strength she drew from thinking of him during those critical moments of survival.
Their relationship became a cornerstone of her healing process, showcasing the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
“I remember thinking about Michael, my Michael,” she said.
“I remember telling myself, ‘Think of his warm face, think of his honey voice, think of his golden skin. Keep thinking about Michael’.
“I remember the bubbling feeling of panic as the hours dragged on. Wanting to be rescued. Needing someone to tell me everything was going to be OK.
“I remember the sun starting to set, the heat starting to dissipate, the breeze becoming cold.
“I remember saying, I don’t know if I can stay much longer’.
“And then, I remember salvation.”
Turia Pitt recalls the moment of salvation when she heard the “tch-tch-tch-tch of a helicopter” approaching in the distance.
The sound signalled hope as the helicopter managed to land in the difficult and rugged terrain. The first to be evacuated was Kate Anderson, who was also badly injured.
Despite the uncertainty and fear that the helicopter might not return for her, Pitt was the next to be rescued.
The chopper’s return marked a critical turning point in her ordeal, offering a lifeline that brought her out of the life-threatening situation and began her long journey toward recovery.
“Once again, the boys got to work. They helped me to my feet and I lurched my way to the helicopter. I couldn’t hear anything over the noise of the rotors,” Pitt said.
At the time of her rescue, Turia Pitt was unaware of the extraordinary efforts made by helicopter pilot Paul Cripps. His skill and determination were crucial in navigating the challenging terrain to save her and the other runners.
Today, Pitt recognises and deeply appreciates Cripps’ courageous actions that day, understanding just how significant his feats were in ensuring their survival.
His ability to land the helicopter under such dangerous conditions was a pivotal moment in her rescue and recovery.
“He was my saviour,” Pitt said.
“He had rescued me from a literal life or death situation. He had removed me from the blistering sun, the ants, the dry spinifex. He was flying me towards help, to doctors and nurses and hospital air con and a glass of cold water.
“I also didn’t know how dangerous it had been for him to fly down the gorge to us. That balancing the chopper on one skid was the result of sheer gutsiness and extreme skill.”
A decade after the tragic incident, Turia Pitt and her partner, Michael Hoskin, who has since become a helicopter pilot himself, have built a life together with their two sons.
Pitt has expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received over the past ten years.
Throughout her recovery and beyond, the kindness, encouragement, and love from her family, friends, and supporters worldwide have played a crucial role in her journey.
Pitt’s story of resilience continues to inspire many as she embraces her life with a deep sense of appreciation.
“Truly, thank you,” she said.
