Five-Year-Old Becomes Gymnastics Star After Losing All Four Limbs To Meningitis

A brave five-year-old who lost all four of her limbs is defying her disability by becoming a gymnastics champion.

Harmonie-Rose Allen, from Bath, was given just a ten per cent chance of survival when she was diagnosed with meningitis at just 11-months-old.

Harmonie survived but she was left a quadruple amputee by the illness.

Since, the five-year-old has defied all odds by taking her first steps on prosthetic legs aged three and walking a half-marathon earlier this year.

Now, Harmonie has taken up gymnastics where she is showing amazing progress. The little one attends weekly classes at Baskervilles Gymnastics in Bath, where she practices without her prosthetic limbs.

Naturally, her mum Freya, 25, is really proud.

"She just asked to do it and we were a bit wary at first," she said.

"We took her to the Gym Start class and she was a bit nervous to begin with, but since then she's never looked back.

"In terms of the moves and apparatus the coaches help her and she just finds her own way of doing things.

"She's learning how to do a backwards roll at the moment and she can do her own version of a cartwheel."

Freya added: "If Harmonie wants to do something she will put everything into it. That's just Harmonie.

"To begin with some children did look at her a bit in gym class, but she's made so many friends and she's really enjoying it.

"It's really important to keep her active and I want Harmonie to know she can do anything she puts her mind to in life, so that she will see no barriers."

Harmonie has now been at Baskervilles for almost three months attending a weekly session for four-to-six year olds.

Head women's artistic coach Fran Ince said: "To begin with we weren't sure what Harmonie's limitations might be but her progress has been amazing.

"She's thought of like any other child in the class. Harmonie shows that there are no limits when you set your mind to something. It's incredibly motivating."

Baskervilles MD Paul Baskerville added: "Her enthusiasm and determination is empowering for gymnasts and coaches alike."

The five-year-old's journey has been a source of inspiration for many in her hometown, who rallied to raise around £240,000 for the therapy and equipment she needs.

Way to go, Harmonie!

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: Life News, Life

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara is a freelance journalist working for Tyla. After graduating from the University of Sussex, Ciara worked as a writer at GLAMOUR Magazine and later as the Assistant Editor of Yahoo Style UK.

@ciarasheppard