Christmas came early for teenager Laura Campbell - who had both legs amputated as a baby - when she was handed a company donation of £11,500 towards the latest cosmetic limbs.
In a surprise presentation at The Royal pub in Crossflatts, Bingley, family and close friends of Laura gathered to see her receive a cheque from the managing director of Skipton Properties. The 16-year-old, of Crossflatts, suffers from a rare condition known as Thrombocytopenia Radial Aplasia. She had both legs amputated when she was 18-months-old.
Laura's friends, backed by the Shipley Lions Club, set up an appeal fund in April to try to raise £20,000 needed for cosmetic prosthetic legs.
After raising £8,500 through functions and fundraising events, a supporter of the fund applied to Skipton Properties community donations programme.
A tearful Laura received the cash in a surprise presentation by Father Christmas.
Laura had been taken to the pub by her mother, Chrissie, under the pretence of meeting her uncle for lunch. When she arrived she was met by close friends and family for the surprise presentation.
"It's the best Christmas present I could ever imagine," she said. "It feels like all my Christmases have come at once. I thought it was going to be another year before this day came, it's just such a shock to my system.
"It's a fantastic amount of effort that people have put in and I'm so grateful for everyone's help and support. I've been so determined to have these legs for as long as I can remember - it's been my ultimate dream to have legs that look life-like."
When Laura was born she had bones missing, short shin bones, feet which grew at right angles and arm problems. She has been in theatre more than 40 times, many times at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
Now Laura is looking into the possibility of getting the state-of-the-art legs, which are unavailable on the NHS, in spring. She said they are so life-like heeled shoes and skirts can be worn and the toe nails can be painted.
Proud dad Graeme said: "We're absolutely delighted. The last two-and-a-half years have been traumatic for Laura but with the love and help of all her family and friends she has managed to reach the target."
Brian Verity, managing director of Skipton Properties, said: "I am delighted to be able to give Laura this money as I know the new legs will change her life."
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