TheArgusCo.UK: A girl with a rare genetic condition has successfully ended her first term at secondary school.
Hayley Okines, 12, whose body is ageing eight times faster than normal, is one of only two children in Britain to suffer from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.
It means she is trapped in the body of a person in their 80s and her symptoms include baldness, arthritis and heart problems.
The average life expectancy for children with the condition is 13 but Hayley and her family live life to the full.
The youngster recently returned from a birthday trip to Orlando following a successful first term at Bexhill Secondary School.
Mum Kerry said: “She has settled in really well and made two really good new friends.
“The school has been hugely supportive and have helped her get around and go from class to class so she does not get bumped or knocked down by other students.
“She is doing well in lessons too and does not seem to be having any problems.
“On her first day I asked her if she wanted me to come in with her but she said she could do it by herself and since then has never looked back.
“I'm not sure we could say she is looking forward to going back to school next term as the novelty has worn off now but she is happy there and that is the main thing.”
The results of a two year US-based drugs trial treatment Hayley took part in to help slow the ageing process caused by progeria, are expected to be published in February.
The youngster is currently taking part in a separate trial and her mother says she is doing well.
Hayley, of Meadow Crescent, Bexhill, first came to public attention in 2005 when she starred in a Channel 5 documentary Extraordinary People.
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