Dream trip to US for little Michaela

A DREAM is about to come true for a special little girl with a devastating illness, thanks to Observer readers.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Jan 2003, 08:27 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:50 BST

Seven-year-old Michaela McAvoy has been at the heart of a campaign to send her and her family to a reunion of progeria sufferers in America.

The once unimaginable 10,000 target is now overshadowed by the 11,200 that has been donated since September.

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Progeria is an illness with no cure, accelerating Michaela's ageing eight years to every one year. Her body is now at the physical state of a 56-year-old.

She has reached the life expectancy doctors first predicted for her, and parents Lizzie and Pat are determined to make every moment count.

This had to include a visit for all the family - including sisters Melissa and Chloe - to the annual reunion held by research centre The Sunshine Foundation.

"It makes me feel like I'm special." said little Michaela.

The campaign total now stands at 11,200, and Lizzie is as shocked as when the money first started rolling in.

"I just can't believe it!

"We never thought we would get this response."

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