THE eyes of the nation were on inspirational teen Terri Calvesbert as a documentary ahead her life aired.

The 15-year-old, spoke to The Ipswich Star, earlier this week and said she forgives mum Julie Minter, who left a cigarette close to her cot, sparking a fire which left her needing 40 skin graft operations.

The blaze broke out in November 1998 when she was nearly two years old, leaving her with 90 per cent burns.

She appeared in Channel 5 documentary The Girl With 90 per cent Burns: Extraordinary People tonight, telling her touching story to the nation.

In the wake of the devastating blaze, The Star set up a fund which has topped more than �500,000.

Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “It was a very moving documentary and I’m sure it has brought a lot of people to tears.

“Lets hope it brings about more donations for such an inspirational young woman.”

To donate make cheques payable to the Terri Calvesbert Appeal Fund and send to Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.