Turia Pitt admits she lost friends after fire burns

Burns survivor Turia Pitt has opened up about the aftermath of the fire that very nearly took her life.

Turia, 31, suffered burns to 65 per cent of her body, spent 864 days in hospital and had to learnt to walk again when she was caught in a grassfire during a marathon in 2011.

Turia Pitt: 'I lost friends after the fire'

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But the mum and inspirational speaker doesn't shy away from speaking about that fateful day and the horror injuries she was faced with.

Speaking with whimn.com.au about her new book The Good Selfie, Turia revealed the harsh reality of her recovery.

'I got a question from a kid, who said they didn’t have a very big circle of friends. They asked "did you lose any friends after the fire?" she told the publication.

'And my response was "yes I did". It can sometimes be awkward being there for people when they’ve been through something so traumatic.'

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Here's a selfie to remind you that the doors to School of Champions close tomorrow! Whenever I don't do a final reminder I get a few emails from people upset that they've missed out. So, if you wanted to join, this is your reminder! If you're not 100% sure what SOC is, let me refresh you: SOC is my seven-step online coaching program that will help you achieve the things that matter most to YOU. So, if there's something you want to change in your life, a New Years Resolution you want to achieve, or a dream you want to realise this year, SOC is gonna help you actually make it happen. I only open the doors to SOC twice a year. So, if you've been thinking about joining us, now is your time to shine. I'm so proud of everyone working through the course - there are some serious breakthroughs happening, and such an epic support crew forming already! So, if you want to join us, what are you waiting for?! The doors close tomorrow. Hit the link in my bio to join us. Turia x

While Turia was faced with an unimaginable process of rehabilitation, she says a small circle of friends and family stayed and kept her sane.

This included her mother, grandmother, now-fiancé Michael and a special friend named Mary who would call and send Turia flowers regularly.

But Turia understands people deal with tragedy in their own way.

'You can be there for someone in your own way, whether it’s cooking, driving someone somewhere, sending flowers, or leaving a note,' she added.

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Turia now has a son, Hakavai, aged one, with her fiance Michael.

Incredibly, Turia still regularly competes in Ironwoman competitions, marathons and triathlons.

Her self-help book is full of pearls of wisdom for kids and teenagers struggling with body image and mental health.

April Glover