A woman who became a quadruple amputee aged just four after contracting meningitis has beaten the odds to become a mum.
Danielle Bailey was given a 0 per cent chance of surviving and grew up believing she may never find love due to her appearance, after losing both hands and legs.
But now 23 she is gleaming with pride as she cradles her eleven-week-old baby Teddy Twist.
Danielle, from Otley, Leeds, said: “I am lucky to be alive.
"It was touch and go when I was four, the doctors gave me 48 hours to live.
“In school, my friends all started getting boyfriends and I didn’t. I didn’t think I’d ever find love - never mind a baby because of the way I look.
"I’ve always wanted to be a mum but I didn’t think it would ever happen.
“But as I got older, I accepted my appearance and realised there will be someone out there who loves me for me.
“In October 2019, I met Tom in a pub.
“He didn’t care that I am an amputee and instantly showed me what true love is.”
Danielle admits feeling ‘anxious’ when she discovered she was pregnant.
She feared what other people may think and worried in case she wouldn’t be able to manage without her hands.
But now that he is here, the self-taught makeup artist couldn’t imagine her life without him.
She adds: “I was worried in case people questioned my parenting as I am an amputee.
“I felt anxious as I thought I was going to be a bad mum because of my disability.
“I worried in case I wouldn’t be able to look after him.
“But as soon as he came into the world, I knew I could do it.
“It all came naturally.
“Giving birth was the hardest thing I have ever done because I didn't know what to expect.
"I was worried about bringing Teddy into the world but it has been fine.
“I have never let my disability hold me back.
“I am able to do everything as normal - the only thing I do differently is put the tub of milk on it's side so I can reach in and scoop.
“That is the only thing I do differently.”
Danielle praises Tom, her 34-year-old partner, for helping too.
She adds: “I have learnt that looking different doesn’t mean you can’t have what everyone else has.
“You can still follow your dreams and get what you want in life.
“Teddy has made me realise how precious life is. I can’t imagine life without him. He’s made me feel more confident than ever.
“I used to worry about what people thought about me but now I am happy. My main goal is to be the best mum I can be and to make sure he has a good life.
“Everyone in my hometown is happy for me - I’ve had nothing but praise from people. I am always happy to help anyone who is thinking about having a baby but worried because of their disability.
“I am living proof that you can do it.”
