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Party joy on day Kelly feared she'd never see

Katie Fitzpatrick
30/ 8/2008

PLUCKY teenager Kelly Atkinson is being allowed home from hospital to celebrate her 18th birthday.

The gifted singer, who suffers from cystic fibrosis and was given just two days to live at Christmas, has been treated in Wythenshawe Hospital for the last 72 days after she was struck down with septicaemia.

The former Oulder Hill Community School pupil, who sang on a CD of charity songs for children’s hospices on the ‘Challenge Anneka’ television programme, will be joined by 150 friends and family for a Playboy bunny-themed party.

Kelly, who is 18 on Wednesday, will wear a specially-designed outfit for tonight’s party at Bamford Fieldhouse Cricket Club.

She will be escorted to the bash by her mother’s partner, RAF corporal Ian Boldy.

Her mother, Sue Wright, said: "Kelly wants the people with her who have been there in her life and have been there for her in the last 72 days. It will be very emotional."

Kelly, from Norden, has stunned doctors with a rapid improvement to her health.

She was devastated by this latest setback, but is determined to celebrate her birthday in style.

Sue added: "It has been a real rollercoaster for Kelly.

"She has been allowed out of hospital to enjoy her party and she will be able to stay in her own bed for the night.

"In the last 72 days she has only been home for 48 hours."