A TEENAGER from Ringwood with a neurological degenerative condition is asking people to send her a birthday card so she can remember her 16th birthday.

Annabelle Hover, 15, was diagnosed with Juvenile Batten Disease in September 2016 after losing her sight the year before.

Although Annabelle is considered to be well for someone with this condition, she suffers short-term memory loss, hallucinations and a loss of mobility skills.

The life expectancy of someone with Juvenile Batten Disease is late teens, early 20s, and with her memory being impacted daily, Annabelle is keen to remember the important birthday.

Mum Lisa Hover said: “The disease starts in the brain and results in a loss of eyesight and over time the child will lose their mobility skills and end up bed ridden.

“There is no treatment or cure, so it is a life limiting disease.

“Annabelle is aware of her diagnosis and prognosis. A while ago, Annabelle said she wanted to do something special for her 16th birthday.

“We couldn’t really book anything because of Covid, so she said, ‘how about I get as many cards as I can?’ She wants to do this to raise awareness of the disease and to remember her 16th birthday.

“Annabelle has such a great personality and wit. She loves birthdays, and as soon as her birthday is over, she is planning for Christmas, then her next birthday.

“She has lost a lot of friends along this journey as the disease has isolated her from social events, so for Annabelle to receive all the birthday cards would be good for her mental health and would make us happy.”

Annabelle’s birthday is on September 28 and cards can be sent to Post Office, 72 Ringwood Rd, St Ives, Ringwood, BH24 2NY.