Hayley Okines suffers from an extremely rare genetic condition called Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome!
Progeria is a progressive terminal condition which mimics many of the characteristics of the normal ageing process and this has made her body ages eight times quicker than normal.
A study has shown that a 10 year old progeria child will have the appearance of an octogenarian with symptoms including baldness, arthritis and heart problems...but with the mind of a 10 year old!
The average lifespan of children with Progeria is about 13 and at present there is no cure...!
With immense courage, Hayley faces her condition, and she, along with her mum, has documented her unusual life in a book, 'Old Before My Time', to educate, inform and most importantly raise awareness of this little known disease.
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