A Christchurch man was seriously burned when his fancy-dress sheep costume caught fire during his OE in Ireland.
Former Christchurch High School Old Boys rugby club player Paddy Pearson is in intensive care in Ireland after his costume caught fire in a pub, Newstalk ZB reported.
Pearson, dressed as a fleecy sheep, was badly burnt while trying to help another person whose clothes were on fire. He jumped on his friend's back, but his costume caught fire as he tried to smother the blaze.
He has been transferred to Galway for skin grafts. His friend has left hospital with burns to his back.
In Christchurch, the committee of Pearson's former rugby club is raising money for his treatment, with a fund-raising dinner on November 28. It will feature rowing champion Mahe Drysdale as guest speaker.
