Meningitis Survivor's Inspiring Piano Performance on TV

Grace Matthews, a 19-year-old from Norwich, has captivated audiences on a new television series after overcoming the amputation of all her fingers and lower legs. At the age of four, she contracted meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, leading to the life-saving surgeries that resulted in her amputations. Her journey with music began during her treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital, where she developed a fondness for instruments, including rainbow bells, and quickly learned to play melodies. Her application for the show was supported by her music therapist. She now plays a variety of songs on a traditional upright piano at home, utilizing her palm, half a thumb, and a little finger stub to strike the keys. Viewers can follow her progress over the next seven weeks, with the competition culminating at Birmingham's Symphony Hall.