A Bexley dad is celebrating having his daughter home for Father’s Day after she spent five months hospitalised with a rare, life-threatening disease which spread all over her body.

Jessica Horley, 12, was diagnosed with miliary tuberculosis in January of this year and has spent the last five months at Evelina London Children’s Hospital receiving specialist treatment.

The rare and life-threatening bacterial infection had spread to the teenager’s brain, spinal fluid, lungs, eyes, spleen, and the bone and cartilage in her left hip.

Jessica spent more than a month in isolation at the hospital and needed five blood transfusions within 10 weeks.

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Jessica spent five months recovering from the deadly infection

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Her dad, Richard Horley, has spoken out about the devastating effect this infection has had on his daughter's health and wellbeing for the future.

"This is a life-altering disease for Jessica as the bacteria have destroyed all the cartilage in her hip. She was a talented athlete, gymnast and dancer, but now will never compete in sport again.

"She is likely to continue taking a cocktail of daily antibiotics for up to two years and will need a hip replacement," he said.

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On the mend with some help from a puppy

The father-of-four is now seeking to raise money for Evelina London by taking on the gruelling Guy’s Urban Challenge.

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The ultra triathlon involves a 5km run, followed by a 18km spin on a static bike, and finishes with a 29 floor stair-climb to the top of Guy's Hospital Tower.

Speaking on the challenge, Richard said: "As Jessica's father it's my job to keep her safe and well, but I couldn't do that without the team at Evelina London. "The care she continues to receive is phenomenal, and we have seen other children come in at death's door and leave full of energy only days later."

"The beating heart of the hospital is the nursing team. It astounds me that people have the emotional capacity to genuinely care about each individual child, showing patience, warmth, generosity and love.

"Florence Nightingale would be proud."

Guy’s Urban Challenge will take place on Saturday, September 28, and aims to raise vital funds for Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital and Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

"Evelina London is celebrating its 150th birthday this year so it’s the perfect time for me to give something back and say ‘thank you’ to the incredible team who helped to save Jessica’s life.

"After five months in hospital she is finally able to come home, just in time for Father’s Day, which is the greatest gift I could receive."

Those wishing to donate to Richard's fundraiser can do so

here.