These photographs show how a determined toddler fought back after losing all her limbs to meningitis – by trying out a new high-tech walking frame.
Brave Harmonie-Rose Allen was struck down by the killer bug in September last year when she was nine-months-old – just ten days after taking her first faltering steps.
Doctors told parents Freya Hall and Ross Allen she had one of the worst cases of the virus they had even seen and only gave her a ten per cent chance of survival.
Harmonie beat the odds – but lost both her legs and arms and the tip of her nose in the process.
Now two-years-old, Harmonie is learning to adapt to a new way of life thanks to a new standing frame, which her parents hope will help her to walk.
Posting on Facebook mum Freya said she had concerns when the physiotherapists suggested a frame for Harmonie-Rose.
But once again the brave toddler has risen to the challenge.
Freya said: “When we were told the physios were sorting this we had no idea what it would be and I had a feeling Harmonie wouldn’t really want to use it!
“Well… here it is her standing frame, but not only does she stand in it she can move herself around, using her arms!
“This does prove a little difficult for her smaller arm but she had a good go and succeeded!
“We will be talking to the prosthetic centre about making something to make it easier for her.
“But wow!! We cannot wait to have this on Monday and hopefully Harmonie will be standing straight in no time!!!
“Fun fun fun!!
“Well done Harmonie rose you make us so proud!”
Harmonie-Rose was rushed into hospital on September 28 last year, just before her first birthday.
She was put on a life support machine and given a ten per cent chance of survival by doctors, who later had to remove all of her limbs.
During the last 12 months Harmonie-Rose has continued to defy the odds with the support of her family and the Bath community, who have helped to raise thousands of pounds to pay for special equipment for the toddler.
To follow Harmonie’s progress visit https://www.facebook.com/HopeForHarmonie
