A mother-of-one has spent the last 15 years with her lip stuck to her chest after being burned in a fire at her former workplace.

Leonor Niusa, 43, worked at a farm when the storage room where they kept the gasoline caught fire because of a candle she used as source of light while working.

She escaped from the blaze but suffered horrific burns across her face and body after the incident in Zamboanga City, the Philippines, in 2004.

The injuries meant that her movements were limited and she has not been able to find permanent work since the accident and been unable to afford surgical treatment.

Leonor and her young son son now travel to different towns asking for donations.

The two were seen by a good samaritan, Justin Quiban, who gave them food and water after they were seen walking around lost in his neighbourhood.

But locals are now hoping to raise money for the relatively straight-forward operation so that her mouth can be removed from her chest and she can work again.

Justin said: "Zamboanga City said that she hasn't been to the doctor ever since the accident. Her family chose to treat her burns in their house because they are afraid they will not be able to pay the medical bills.''

Leonor's wounds were left untreated until they finally healed which gave her a deformed face.

Leonor has three children, the two others are living with her husband in another place.



In the video taken by Quiban, the mother said that she wants to be better for her kids.

"I don't want my kids to grow up with me looking like this forever,'' she said.

Quiban, with the help of some friends, went to look for Leonor's house in Zamboanga and gave her some donations but the group said that it would be better if she can have an operation so she can live normally again and find a job.