'HARLEY CAN LEAD A FULL LIFE ..LOOK AT WHAT I'VE ACHIEVED ' Message of hope for brave meningitis boy.

Byline: AIDAN McGURRAN

HELEN Smith knows better than most what brave meningitis lad Harley Slack is going through.

Just like the four-year-old, she too had all four limbs amputated when she was struck down by the disease.

Realising the daunting future he and parents Samantha and Adam face, Helen, 34, has sent them a letter of hope - insisting there is light at the end of the tunnel.

And, in the much-needed message of optimism, she told them: "Harley can lead a full life."

The little boy beat the odds to survive but still lies in hospital swaddled in bandages and facing round-the-clock care for years.

It jogs many memories for Helen.

Just 10 years ago the Mirror reported how Helen's own dreams of a bright future were in tatters when she was struck down with meningococcal septicaemia at 22.

She had just started studying for a doctorate but awoke from a coma to find both legs amputated. Later she had part of both arms removed.

Helen vowed to lead as normal a life as possible - but even this desire was thwarted when her NHS trust gave her a hook for one arm and ill-fitting false legs.

Her pleas for realistic-looking prosthetics that worked were turned down because they were only available from a private clinic.

Helen had reached her lowest point and rarely ventured out.

But then, a decade ago, her case was featured in the Mirror and our readers were so moved by her plight they donated over pounds 50,000 to pay for state-of-the-art limbs.

Now Helen, from Norwich, has recently become engaged and is director of policy and campaigns for the charity Mobilise - which helps to improve mobility and access for all disabled people.

And in the past few years she has become a respected campaigner and counsellor for amputees, been awarded a Pride of Britain award, become an accomplished swimmer and skier - and even done catwalk modelling.

Now readers are being urged to donate money again - this time to help Samantha, 23, and Adam, 20, afford the pounds 100,000 needed for artificial limbs and adapting their house in Stockport, Cheshire.

This is Helen's moving open letter to the couple: I was so sorry to read of your son Harley's plight in the Mirror.

It breaks my heart every time I see another child lose all their limbs to this terrible disease. I'm sure you are fearful of what the future holds but as someone who has survived this disease I want you to know there is light at the end of a tunnel. I won't deny there has been some really tough times. But it is possible for your son to lead a full and independent life.

Recovery isn't easy, especially in the early days. However, once all the healing is done and Harley gets his first set of prosthetic legs you'll be amazed what he can achieve.

I recently walked 5km in the Race for Life in 1 hour and 20 minutes, something I thought I'd never do.

I can drive, cook, do the gardening, write and draw.

I have both a hook and a myoelectric hand. I have also worked full time as a TV news reporter.

I used to worry I'd need looking after forever but two years after losing my limbs I moved out of my parents' house to live on my own.

I now live with my fiance Paul Dolphin and our wedding is next year. I've learnt to swim again and done lots of sports. Maybe Harley will be the next Paralympic champ!

Although us quadruple amputees are a small group we're here to help each other. If you want to know what I've done to adapt my house or how to take a lid off a jam jar with no hands I'm always available. All my love, Helen.

Miriam: Page 42

HOW TO DONATE Go online to: harleyslackfund.giving.officelive.com To make a donation, send cheques to: Harley Slack Fund c/o David Hulbert, 39 Nottingham Avenue, Brinnington, Stockport, SK5 8ET

CAPTION(S):

UPBEAT Harley on the mend in hospital with parents Samantha and Adam INSPIRATION Helen wants to help little Harley