4 Year Old Pupil Without Limbs

A child’s first day at school is a moving day for any parent.

But for four-year-old Harley Lane’s mother and father, the significance could barely be overstated.

Despite losing both his arms and legs in a battle with meningitis which almost claimed his life, Harley is doing his best to lead a normal life.

Harley Lane, who lost his arms and legs to meningitis, is the most popular boy in class. Look closely at his arms, they are artificial.

And yesterday parents Adam and Samantha spoke of how he is settling in at Hazel Grove Primary School near their home in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

‘He’s the most popular kid at school,’ said Mr Lane, 22. ‘All the kids think they are his best friend. 

‘They are great and ask lots of questions. At first it was a bit overwhelming for him but he’s settled straight in.

‘He comes in every day telling us he’s done this or that. He loves everything about it because it’s new to him.’ Harley fell ill in May last year with bacterial meningitis.

When septicemia set in, his arms and legs were amputated and his heart stopped three times. Nevertheless he pulled through.

Harley almost died when he was struck down with the bug last year. He now goes to a primary school that has a hygiene room to help him stay infection free

While he was looked after at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, a fundraising campaign brought in more than £500,000 to help provide a specially adapted house. In March he was ring-bearer at his parents’ wedding, which had been postponed when he fell ill.

He is now getting used to his prosthetic arms and legs.

‘He’s not totally progressed with them but he’s doing a lot better,’ added Mr Lane, a pub manager. 

Harley Lane in hospital in May last year after falling ill with bacterial meningitis

‘It’s just getting him confident with putting them on and standing on them. He can stand on them a lot more on his own now.’ Staff at the school help Harley move around using his artificial limbs and a wheelchair.

The school has had a ‘hygiene room’ fitted to help him stay infection-free and he is helped by a full-time teaching assistant.

Headteacher Jean Burston said: ‘Harley is settling in really well – he’s got many friends. Our motto is, “Give it all you’ve got” and that’s what he does.’