Within seven months of undergoing multiple amputations, Moiz Saeed is back in action playing his favourite sport of rugby.
Moiz, a student at Savile Park Primary School, Halifax, stunned the medical team at St James Hospital in Leeds when he survived a dreadful attack of Meningococal septicemia B.
The doctors were expecting the worst within three hours of his admission to hospital on 2 January 2006, after he was struck down with high fever and symptoms of meningitis. However, Moiz, an ardent fan of Halifax Rugby League side, hung on to his life.
Moiz beat all the odds, but his kidneys stopped functioning and he had to undergo amputations for both legs below the knee and fingers from both hands.
The attack occurred even though Moiz was immunised against meningitis and his fragile body had to pay dearly for survival.
But on 24 April he was discharged from the hospital and began physiotherapy at Laura Mitchell Health Centre in Halifax. Moiz began to rebuild his shattered life under the guidance of Sue Sharma, physiotherapist, Salley Hurd, occupational therapist, and Steve Whitaker, teaching instructor,
Mr Whitaker says: "In my seven years career, I never saw a double amputee regaining his confidence within four months like Moiz.
"He is courageous and strong. He was soon back on his feet and started walking with the help of prosthetic limbs."
"Usually the entire process will take two years for ordinary people," Steve added. "Every time we saw him we were amazed by how well he had done. I want people to know how brave he is and how well he has done."
His teachers at Savile Park Primary School have also played a crucial role in building his confidence.
Headteacher Karen Lomas said: "We provide an environment in which all children are happy, excited and engaged in order for them to succeed with confidence."
In July, just seven months after his ordeal, Moiz led out his heroes, the Halifax Rugby League side, as team mascot and the entire audience at the Shay Stadium encouraged Moiz to walk along with his heroes. It was a tearful moment for dad Saeed.
Saeed told Asian Leader: "It was a proud moment. This has been a very difficult time for us as a family. But to see Moiz walking around the rugby pitch is fantastic."
Saeed quit his full time job and is now working as a self-employed gas technician to support his family and be able to attend his son's medical and academic sessions.
Moiz's sixth birthday is due on 10 December. Saeed, his wife Tahira and his two other children, Hina, 9 and Muneeb, 2, are planning on making it a memorable occasion.
"Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning) can affect anyone at any time and can kill within hours," said Philip Kirby, Chief Executive of the Meningitis Trust. "Survivors can be left with severe, disabling after-effects, including brain damage, deafness and, where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs."
Every year there are at least 1500 reported cases in the under 16s, although experts estimate that there are actually twice as many cases in the UK.
Meningitis and septicaemia are not always easy to recognise at first.
In the early stages, signs and symptoms can be similar to many other more common illnesses, for example flu. Early symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting and general tiredness. Others symptoms are rapid breathing, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and a rash that does not fade under pressure. Concerned parents can also call the Meningitis Trust's free, 24-hour helpline (0800 028 18 28) for information and support.