Adorable toddler who lost all her limbs to meningitis has been given a cute new doll – which has prosthetic legs and arms just like her
Two-year-old Harmonie-Rose Allen was struck down by deadly meningitis B last September, when she was only ten-months-old
A TODDLER who lost all of her limbs to meningitis has been given a cute new doll which has prosthetic legs and arms -- just like her.
Two-year-old Harmonie-Rose Allen was struck down by deadly meningitis B last September, when she was only ten-months-old.
Doctors told her worried parents, Freya Hall, 22, and Ross Allen, 24, that Harmonie's case was one of the worst they had ever seen and gave her just a ten per cent chance of survival.
Amazingly, brave Harmonie-Rose defied the odds and beat the killer bug - but the brave tot lost her arms, legs and the tip of the nose in the process.
Now, her parents from Bath, Somerset, have rewarded their daughter’s bravery by buying her a specially-made doll from America - which has the same amputations and prosthetics as Harmonie.
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Freya said: "The dolls name is Rebecca. She loves it and she says 'she's like me mummy!'
"The company that makes then changes many dolls for children so it's just like them and that did one for her.
"It will encourage Harmonie to use her own prosthetic legs because she's not the only one.
"She's already so happy that the doll is just like her.
"Also because she's never met a quadruple amputee in her life it's nice to show her they do exist."
Harmonie-Rose was rushed into hospital on September 28 last year, only ten days after she took her first steps.
What is meningitis (From NHS Direct)
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.
The little girl was put on a life support machine and doctors later had to remove both her arms and legs.
She was fitted with her first pair of prosthetic limbs last November and is on her way to taking her first steps unaided.
Signs to look out for that your kid might have meningitis (From NHS Direct)
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
• a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F)
• being sick
• a headache
• a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
• a stiff neck
• a dislike of bright lights
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• seizures (fits)
These symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear.
The distinctive doll was made by an American company called ‘A Step Ahead Prosthetics’ and it was given to Harmonie this week to reward her bravery during a recent hospital stay.
To follow Harmonie's progress visit