What challenges has Katie-Rae Edmunds faced?

Katie-Rae has undergone three open heart surgeries, nearly died, lost and regained speech, and is now permanently blind due to a severe brain injury.

How does Lifelites technology help children like Katie-Rae?

Lifelites provides assistive and sensory technology, such as interactive projection and sound-generating devices, to help seriously ill children play, create, and communicate.

What is the Mirror's Christmas appeal for Lifelites?

The appeal aims to raise funds to provide life-changing technology to 85,000 more children with life-limiting conditions in hospices across the UK.

Home / Health / Miracle Girl's Laughter Returns After Sight Loss

Miracle Girl's Laughter Returns After Sight Loss

20 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Child overcomes multiple surgeries and near-death experiences.
Life-changing technology helps child regain laughter and speech.
Family supports charity aiding children's hospice care.

Miracle Girl's Laughter Returns After Sight Loss

Seven-year-old Katie-Rae Edmunds exemplifies remarkable courage, having navigated three open heart surgeries, a near-fatal health crisis, and the loss and recovery of her speech. Most recently, she has adapted to losing her sight, demonstrating an unyielding spirit.

Her parents, Neil and Nicola Edmunds, are actively supporting the Mirror's Christmas appeal for the charity Lifelites. This organization provides essential technology to children's hospices. Katie-Rae experienced this firsthand at Rainbows Hospice, where tools like the Magic Carpet and Soundbeam brought back her cherished laughter.

Lifelites currently supports 15,000 children with life-limiting conditions, enabling play, creation, and communication. However, 85,000 more children lack access. Donations to the appeal aim to extend this vital support, offering moments of joy and connection to families facing profound challenges.