A brave toddler who lost a leg and both hands following meningitis has finally taken his first steps with the help of his new prosthetics.

Taylor Marshall, from Nottingham, was struck by a severe form of meningococcal meningitis — Meningococcal Septicaemia type W — last April.

His devastated mum, Terri Lewsley, 23, watched as doctors told her that Taylor might have only hours left and advised her to prepare for the possibility of saying goodbye.

But despite spending 17 days in a coma, Taylor continued his fight — and thankfully, he pulled through.

Taylor, now 20 months old, needed his left leg, all eight fingers, two thumbs and toes removed after the affected areas became severely damaged. Yet that hasn’t stopped the determined toddler from taking his first steps with his new prosthetics.

Proud Terri, a former inventory clerk, told The New Day: “Looking at Taylor now standing on his prosthetic left leg and right leg splint is amazing.

“He has managed to take a few steps too, which is incredible after we came so close to losing him last year.

“It was the worst day of my life when doctors prepared us for the possibility of saying goodbye. His legs had turned black and he was connected to every machine possible.

“I just prayed he would pull through. After surgeons removed his left leg, toes and fingers on both hands, he gradually started to improve and smile again.

“Since that day, he hasn’t stopped smiling. After spending more than seven months in hospital, we were finally discharged five months ago, and his prosthetics arrived four weeks later.

“But it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that he was able to stand and take those first few steps after finding his balance.

“I was so happy I could have cried when he stood up for the first time. Taylor is the biggest fighter I have ever known. He’s amazing.”

Taylor first became unwell on April 20. He had been put to bed as usual, but in the early hours of the morning, Terri noticed that he had developed a temperature.

She said: “He was boiling hot but shivering as though he was cold. After calling NHS Direct and explaining his symptoms, I was told to call an ambulance.

“But after going to hospital, Taylor seemed to perk up and we were sent home. At first, I was relieved, but that feeling didn’t last long.

“What happened next was just the beginning of our nightmare. Once back home, his condition deteriorated and he wouldn’t eat or drink.

“When we returned to hospital, his limbs started turning black as his body began to shut down. It was terrifying.

“It was the biggest relief of my life when he started to improve, even though the illness had left him with life-changing damage to his legs and hands.

“I knew he would need his left leg removed, along with his toes on his right foot and fingers, but all I cared about was that he survived.

“Now he’s taking a few steps and standing for the first time. It’s a huge milestone after seven and a half months in hospital recovering.

“Not only that, he will be starting nursery in September, showing that he will never let his disabilities hold him back.

“He was always such a happy, smiling baby before becoming unwell, and that hasn’t changed.

“Taylor has amazed doctors with his determination. Although he’ll need procedures on his scar tissue throughout his life, I know he’ll manage just fine.”

Terri, along with her devoted family and friends, has been fundraising for Taylor ever since his diagnosis.

She said: “My friends and family have been amazing, and I cannot thank everyone who has donated to Taylor enough.

“We want to ensure he receives the best care and prosthetics throughout his life so he can achieve everything he dreams of in the future.”

Terri has also received support throughout her journey from the charity Meningitis Now.

Liz Brown, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: “It’s really heart-warming to see Taylor and his family coping so well with the life-changing effects of meningitis and moving forward with such a positive outlook.

“He’s certainly an inspirational little fellow, and we’re delighted that he’s taking his first steps and making such wonderful progress. His family are right to be proud of him. He’s a brave boy.

“Meningitis is a devastating illness that can turn lives upside down. Taylor will need ongoing care, but with the right support, meningitis need not define his future, and I know his family is determined to make sure it doesn’t.”

Source: mirror.co.uk