How did Hannah Olateju overcome losing her limbs as a toddler?

Hannah Olateju was just 2 years old when she contracted meningitis, which caused gangrene and led to the amputation of all four of her limbs. Despite this devastating setback, she has gone on to defy the odds, learning to walk without prosthetics and becoming a successful social media influencer, inspiring others with her story of resilience.

What challenges did Hannah Olateju face growing up as a quadruple amputee?

As a child, Hannah Olateju faced discrimination and struggled with certain activities like physical education and cooking due to her disability. However, she was determined to overcome these challenges and pursue her dreams, eventually leaving school to focus on building a career as a social media influencer.

How has Hannah Olateju's disability impacted her dating life?

Hannah Olateju sees her disability as a "filter" that helps her weed out "rubbish people" in her dating life. While she has had to deal with some bad dates where men have made insensitive comments, she is waiting for the right partner who will appreciate and support her.

Home / Lifestyle / Toddler Beats Meningitis, Thrives as Quadruple Amputee

Toddler Beats Meningitis, Thrives as Quadruple Amputee

11 Nov

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Summary

Contracted meningitis at age 2, doctors gave up but she survived
All four limbs amputated due to gangrene, now walks without prosthetics
Overcame discrimination, became successful social media influencer

Toddler Beats Meningitis, Thrives as Quadruple Amputee

In November 2025, 24-year-old Hannah Olateju from Croydon, UK is sharing her remarkable story of survival and success. When Hannah was just 2 years old, she contracted a severe case of meningitis that nearly claimed her life. The disease caused gangrene, leading to the amputation of all four of her limbs. Doctors had given up on her, telling her parents to say their goodbyes.

However, Hannah defied the odds and lived. While she had to adapt to life as a quadruple amputee, she has managed to overcome the challenges. Her legs were amputated just below the knee, allowing her to walk without prosthetics, and her arms were amputated at the elbow, enabling her to perform most daily tasks.

Despite facing discrimination growing up, Hannah has found ways to thrive. She was never interested in school, instead dreaming of running her own business. After leaving school, she began posting lifestyle content online and quickly became a body-positive influencer, now boasting 118,000 followers on Instagram. Hannah has also walked in two Fashion Week shows, further showcasing her confidence and resilience.