During a caravan holiday in Maidstone, Kent, Jesse May, an eight-year-old boy, suffered severe burns after playing with giant hogweed, mistaking it for a harmless plant. His mother, Kara May, recounted the incident, stating that Jesse felt a strange sensation on his chest after using the plant as a toy axe. The next morning, he woke up with painful, pus-filled blisters covering his chest. The Royal Horticultural Society warns that the sap of giant hogweed can cause severe skin burns when exposed to sunlight. After realizing the cause of her son's injuries, Kara informed the caravan park warden about the presence of the plant in the area. Jesse now has a six-inch scar on his chest, which is photosensitive, meaning he cannot go outside without a shirt. Kara is raising awareness about the dangers of giant hogweed, which can be confused with cow parsley, and advises immediate washing of any affected skin to prevent burns. She hopes to prevent similar incidents by educating others about the plant's risks.