15
Jul
Harrogate schoolgirl, 5, awarded medal while RAF dad is overseas
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A five-year-old schoolgirl from Harrogate has been awarded a medal for her inspirational resilience after being diagnosed with coeliac disease while her father is deployed overseas with the Royal Air Force.
Harriet Smith has been named Little Trooper of the Month by the military children's charity Little Troopers, which supports children with parents serving in the British armed forces.
The Little Trooper of the Month award celebrates children who face the unique challenges of military life with courage and determination.
Harriet was born prematurely and diagnosed with sleep apnoea at the age of three. Then, just one week into her dad’s seven-month deployment, she was diagnosed with coeliac disease, a chronic autoimmune condition triggered by gluten.
The diagnosis has meant major changes to her diet and daily life, as even small traces of gluten in food, personal care products or even playdough could make her ill.
Her dad, Squadron Leader Chris Smith, is currently deployed in the Middle East. When he is in the UK he works away from home four days a week.
Harriet’s mum, Malika Smith, said:
Harriet is a bubbly, caring, hard-working little girl. From a young age, she’s been used to Daddy working away, and although she misses him dearly, she’s always helping me with her little brother George, who is two.
Her diagnosis has meant big changes. She experiences chronic fatigue, headaches and sudden tiredness when she’s had a reaction, and she has had to adapt very quickly.
But she’s taken everything in her stride. She understands the importance of keeping her body safe, and she’s remained positive, kind and sensible throughout it all.
Harriet with her little brother George.
Despite the ups and downs of her dad's deployment and adjusting to life with a medical condition, Harriet remains positive.
Malika added:
Since we’ve been able to identify what her health issues were caused by, she’s happier and more smiley again. She’s always giggling and just gets on with things. We are incredibly proud of her. She’ll always be our little hero.
Speaking about her dad being away, Harriet said:
I miss daddy a lot but I know he’s being very brave too. I really love my medal.
The family expect to be reunited later this summer.
Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, praised Harriet’s strength and courage:
Harriet is an exceptional little girl. Being diagnosed with coeliac disease is life-changing, especially at such a young age, and to go through that while her dad is deployed shows such bravery.
She’s a true example of the resilience we see in military children every day, and we are so proud to name her our Little Trooper of the Month.
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