Show for Tegan from Walsham-le-Willows was 'Practically Perfect'

An online show for a teenager who was not expected to live beyond the age of six has raised more than £7,200.

Tegan Harvey, from Walsham-le-Willows, was born with mitochondrial disease.

It means she cannot speak, has suffered constant seizures throughout her life as well as periods of extreme fatigue when she can hardly move.

At six-years-old, her mum, Nicola Eley, was told her daughter had only months to live.

But last Sunday, Tegan’s carer, Georgie Luppi, arranged a YouTube show for Tegan’s 18th birthday after calling on 30 friends from King Edwards VI school in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk theatre groups and the National Youth Theatre, of which she is a member.

The 23 individual performances, by singers, dancers, musicians, actors and a magician, accompanied by photographs and videos from Tegan's life, has so far raised more than £7,200.

It will be used to buy a new specialist chair and bath for the youngster, who attends Riverwalk College, and which she needs to live a comfortable life.

Nicola Eley, an English teacher at King Edwards VI School, said: "Tegan had a wonderful birthday.

"She celebrated with her dad and step mum in the morning before coming home to watch her show with us in the evening.

"It was amazing, and we are blown away by how well the fund has done.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed.

Georgie Luppi, who arranged the Youtube show, featuring the young artists from around the country, said: "It was wonderful to celebrate Tegan's life and birthday with so many people.

Tegan really enjoyed it and when she saw me singing Practically Perfect from Mary Poppins, she looked at the screen, looked at me, and started clapping.

Tegan's chair fund page can be found at www.gofundme.com

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