A 17-year-old college student, who had part of his arms and lower legs amputated due to meningitis, has made an emotional promise to his family. Harvey Phillips has pledged to his family to drive them in his own car to a McDonald's drive thru with an eye-catching registration plate.
Harvey, who is studying sports, is currently learning how to drive his specially-adapted BMW and chose his own personalised registration plate himself to show off his sense of humour. A big Lincoln City FC fan his new registration is engraved with "Up the Imps", although he is still a supporter of the Mariners and a friend of Luke Waterfall, Grimsby Live reports.
At less than one-year-old Harvey contracted meningitis and had to have his lower limbs and part of his arms amputated in emergency surgery. But that has not stopped the brave youngster fulfilling his dreams of representing GB in international swimming events.
He will take part in the British National Swimming Competition in Sheffield next month. He is planning to drive there with his family in support. He is currently taking driving lessons with Louth instructor, Jack Westerby in an adapted BMW.
Harvey, who passed his theory test in December, has also made a special pledge to his family. He said: "As soon as I get my test I will be taking the family to a McDonald's drive-thru.
Harvey, from Louth, also hopes to get the chance to drive on a racing circuit. He had wanted to attend a Moto GP race at Silverstone, but it clashes with a swimming competition this summer. Harvey joked: "I will probably end up taking mum on a shopping trip."
His BMW has a cup which bolts on to the steering wheel and levers for acceleration. The indicators are buttons which he presses with ease. With the push of a button the car can revert to pedal control, so mum Lisa Chappell can drive.
The quadruple amputee will embark on his final year at Franklin College in September and hopes by then to have passed his driving test. He is waiting to hear what career options he will have and hopes to be involved in sports coaching.
