A teenager who battled with the premature ageing disease, known as progeria, has died aged 17.
Hayley Okines, who became labelled as the ‘100 year old teenager’, died last night a short while after 9.30pm.
Her mother Kerry announced it over Facebook, writing: ‘My baby has gone somewhere better. She took her last breath in my arms at 9.39pm.’
What is Progeria?
The very rare disease, which causes the sufferers to age eight times faster has died at the age of 17. There is no cure and there are only 50 cases known in the world.
The teenager, from Bexhill, in East Sussex, won the hearts of many thousands of people from all around the world after starring in a television documentary to raise awareness of the condition.
Hayley, who was not expected to die before her 13th birthday, also published a book on her condition: 'Old Before My Time’.
Hayley, who turned 17 on December 3 had recently been in hospital battling pneumonia on both her lungs. She returned home yesterday but died later the same night.
The Progeria Research Foundation posted on its Facebook page: ‘The entire Progeria family mourns together with many as we say goodbye to Hayley Okines, our smart, beautiful and spirited English rose, who passed away today at age 17.
‘Gone from our sight, but never our memories, gone from our touch but never our hearts. We will miss you.’
Several hundreds of tributes have been left on Hayley’s Facebook.
Ann Morrison wrote: ‘Praying for the family and friends of Hayley. God bless you Hayley. Your positive outlook and willingness to share your life’s journey with us has been very much appreciated.’
Metro.co.uk
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