Four-year-old Arno Kruger worships his big sister Pippie as much as his favourite superhero, Batman. He is very protective of her, especially when people reach out to touch her. Flapping around in his Batman cape, Arno thinks she is the most beautiful girl in the world."He thinks she's perfect, but sometimes gets angry with life because she can't play with him," explains his mother, Anice Kruger.It's late afternoon and Isabella "Pippie" Kruger, 6, is happily lying on top of her favourite toy, a silver Pilates exercise ball she calls "Nini".story_article_left1The winter sun is perfect in the Krugers' large garden at their Lephalale home in Limpopo, about 80km from the Botswana border."She can't go out when the sun is high up. It's only in the early mornings or late afternoon. She loves it and can't wait most days," says Anice.She can hardly believe this is the same child she cradled three years ago, praying for her to live.The toddler suffered burns across 80% of her body and was given a 10% chance of survival, but beat the odds.Pippie was engulfed by a fireball in a freak accident at a New Year's Eve braai in 2012. Her father was lighting the fire when a bottle of firelighter gel exploded and burned Pippie, standing a few metres away.Pippie was the first South African recipient of cloned skin grown in a laboratory.Her chances of recovery were slim. She spent 18 weeks on a ventilator and doctors said she would never speak.mini_story_image_hright1"She has proved them wrong," said Anice. Her first word was "Pappa", and she says it often, but she still struggles with full sentences."She's sitting up now compared with before when she could barely move. I don't know if she'll walk. That's up to Pippie," said Anice. She hopes daily physiotherapy will make Pippie's legs strong enough for her to walk unaided.Her tiny hands were badly burnt and turned black from a lack of blood. But a small operation by plastic surgeon Ridwan Mia saved them.Arno does not understand what the fuss is about. He knows his sister was hurt but she does not seem bothered when he wrestles with her.She may be banned from playing with his prized collection of Batman mobiles, but to him she is "Super Barbie"...