Celebrity chef Matt Golinski doesn't know why he was spared from the fire that claimed his wife and daughters

MEMORIES: Matt Golinski has found some peace in taking up the guitar but faces a long haul before he can return to the kitchen

LOVED: Matt wants to honour the memory of his children and wife Rachael Golinski. Start of sidebar.

Glimpse of love amidst the grief

MATT Golinski, who lost his wife and three daughters in a Boxing Day fire, is convinced he survived for a reason.

But eight months on, the celebrity chef is still trying to figure out what that reason is.

Mr Golinski received severe burns to 40 per cent of his body in the blaze which claimed his wife, Rachael, and daughters Starlia, 10, and 12-year-old twins, Willow and Sage.

"I have no idea why I was spared from the fire but I am determined to look forward and live a life that would make them proud," he said in his first interview since the tragedy.

"I want to honour the memory of Rachael and our girls by finding a silver lining somewhere in these dark clouds.

"To say my world has been turned upside down is an understatement. Although the loss of my family is unfathomable, at this stage of my recovery, I am simply grateful to be alive and to have experienced the love of my beautiful wife and three daughters."

LOST: Willow Golinski, 12, Starlia Golinski, 10, and Sage Golinski, 12, died in the fire.

 Mr Golinski, who left hospital in April, has so far been unable to return to work at the Sunshine Coast catering business, The Rolling Dolmade, he shares with his two business partners who have kept it running in his absence.

"Although I'm really keen to get back into the kitchen, time will tell as to when and if that can happen," he said.

The former regular on Network 10's Ready Steady Cook has limited mobility in his arms.

Nerve damage to his fingers has also resulted in a lack of grip strength.

BEFORE THE TRAGEDY: Matt Golinski in his element at a home at at Doonan , near Eumundi. PIC: Anthony Weate Source: The Courier-Mail

Like other severe burns survivors, he has developed a condition called heterotopic ossification, resulting in bone forming in the soft tissue around the joints, in his case, the elbows.

The condition causes Mr Golinski's elbows to "lock up" but that's expected to improve with rehabilitation and surgery in another year or so to "chisel the bone out".

Despite his injuries, he's started playing the guitar again, the instrument a source of fond memories.

"Music was a big part of our family's life with Rachael, Willow, Sage, Starlia and me regularly jamming and dancing in the lounge room," he said.

"I am finding some solace in being able to play again."

He agreed for The Courier-Mail to publish the first image of him since the fire, and to tell another chapter of his story, as a thank you to his family, friends, medical team at the RBWH, and complete strangers who have helped him during the most difficult time in his life.

"The emotional and financial support offered from my dearest friends to that of complete strangers is overwhelming," Mr Golinski said. "I am still coming to terms with it and cannot believe the levels of generosity and kindness that exist in the world.

"I am grateful to the outstanding efforts of the team at the RBWH who literally saved my life and to my family and friends for their unconditional support over these past, gruelling months. Knowing that people care has really helped me to cope.

DESTROYED: The ruins of the Golinski home after the fire that claimed four lives. PIC: Glenn Barnes Source: The Courier-Mail

"Even if I live to be 100 years old, I would not have enough time to personally thank everyone who has helped me."

A keen runner before the fire which destroyed his family's Tewantin home, the 40-year-old has started jogging again, competing in fun runs of up to 10km, but has to monitor his heart rate.

"One of the main challenges I face with physical exercise is that my heart rate is currently much higher than it should be," he said.

"This is due to an increased metabolism as my body tries to repair itself.

"Burns recovery is a slow process and can take several years. Physically I am getting stronger every day, but emotionally it is still very difficult."

Mr Golinski has met other burns survivors since the fire, not all of them "fortunate enough to have had the kind of support I've been offered".

"So much needs to be done regarding prevention, treatment and research," he said. "My hope is that I will be able to contribute to that work in some way."

Yesterday, he started that process by donating $100,000 from the Plates for Mates fund-raising drive, started by six of his celebrity chef friends - Manu Feildel, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Alastair McLeod, Janelle Bloom and Damian Heads.

The money will be shared between the RBWH Foundation, the Fiona Wood Foundation and the Peter Hughes Burn Foundation.

The Coroner is yet to determine what caused the Boxing Day fire.