Life-changing present for Bognor Regis teenager

Harriet Bond, 13, was presented with a special text-based mobile phone to allow her to communicate more regularly with friends and family.

She became seriously ill in 2006 with a rare neurological condition, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Another episode of the illness three years later left her with severe mobility, speech and feeding difficulties. Her intellectual capabilities remain intact.

Harriet’s submariner father, Lt Ian Bond, said the new Lightwriter Connect would enable Harriet to socialise more readily.

“Thank you just doesn’t sound enough but we are all very grateful to all who have helped her. Harriet’s illness has been devastating to our family. She is such a lovely, full of life girl who always had a smile on her face,” he said.

“Her first episode of ADEM saw her make a very good recovery in a short space of time. However, this time around her improvements have been a lot slower.

“We all remain positive her recovery will continue.”

The £4,585 Lightwater was bought by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund charity and two Rotary clubs.

Two special mounts to enable it to be fitted to Harriet’s wheelchairs were provided by the Sussex Snowdrop trust.