These tiny heroes were just toddlers when their little bodies were overcome by meningitis. Against the odds, they survived and have been celebrated in a stunning photo shoot.
Iconic Australian children’s photographer Anne Geddes – who is famous for her pictures of babies in flower pots – shot a series of compelling images of meningitis survivors for charity.
The images feature children who lost limbs – and nearly their lives – to the deadly infection.
One in 10 people infected with meningitis die and up to 25 per cent are left with lifelong complications.
The images are part of an awareness campaign being run by Meningococcal Australia.
Symptoms of meningitis including severe headache, fever, vomiting, blotchy skin and cold hands or feet.
Survivors: Amber Travers and her sister Jade (left) and Ellie-May Challis and her sister Sophie.
Harvey Perry, eight, lost his legs and part of one hand when he was 12 months old because of meningitis.
Sydney girl Bernadette, six, (pictured here with her mum Mary) contracted meningococcal when she was three and had her legs amputated.
Bernadette with her three adoring brothers.
Bernadette with her dad Danilo.
Mackie, 10, was three when he contracted meningococcal and had to have part of his hands and feet amputated.
Mackie with his sister Ella.
Mackie with his dad Jeremy.
Danielle, 20, (pictured here with her mum Leanne) was infected with meningococcal meningitis at just 14 months old, but miraculously survived.
Danielle hopes to become a Paralympic equestrienne.
