Lowestoft teen nicknamed “Rhubarb” after dramatic heatwave sunburn mishap.
By Our Norfolk Reporter: Ian Bred
LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK — A 13-year-old girl from Lowestoft has become an unlikely local celebrity after a weekend sunburn left her looking remarkably similar to a popular British sweet.
Maisie Henderson was enjoying a bike ride around the Suffolk seaside town with friends during last weekend’s heatwave, when temperatures climbed into the high 70s Fahrenheit. While her friends reportedly armed themselves with sun cream, water bottles and sensible hats, Henderson chose a more optimistic strategy: “I’ll probably be fine.” By 5pm, witnesses say it had become clear that she was, in fact, not fine.
After several hours in direct sunshine, Henderson returned home sporting severe sunburn across her forearms and forehead. However, it was only when she rolled up her T-shirt sleeves that the full scale of the incident became apparent.
The lower half of her arms had turned a vivid shade of pink-red, while the upper sections remained almost entirely pale. Family members immediately noticed an uncanny resemblance to the classic Rhubarb and Custard sweet, with its distinctive pink and cream colouring.
Within hours, photographs of the sunburn contrast had circulated among friends and relatives. The nickname “Rhubarb” quickly followed.
“It was the first thing everyone thought of,” said one family friend. “The colour match was extraordinary. If you put her arm next to a packet of Rhubarb and Custards, it was difficult to tell which was which.”
Gobstopper Girl
Henderson has reportedly accepted the nickname with good humour, although she insists she would prefer it not to become permanent.
“I’m definitely wearing sun cream next time,” she said. “I don’t really like those sweets much. I’m more of a gobstopper girl.”
Local residents say the episode has provided a timely reminder of the importance of sun protection, while several classmates have suggested Henderson’s experience should feature in future school safety presentations.
At the time of writing, “Rhubarb” remains the overwhelming favourite nickname among her peers, despite unsuccessful attempts to rebrand herself as “Maisie” once more.
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