More needed for Hayley's dream

The plan is for Hayley to host a get-together for youngsters with this genetic condition which causes premature ageing.

There's been an appeal for donations as well as events held around town to raise money but it's not been enough, and now Hayley's parents may take out a loan to cover the cost of flights for Progeria children and their families, hotel rooms, food and entertainment.

This would be the first ever UK reunion and Hayley has set her heart on it taking place.

Mum Kerry said: "The fundraising is hard work '“ it has not been as easy as we thought it would be.

"I think in the beginning we thought we would get help from a charity like the Big Lottery but we have been unsuccessful.

"We now have only got eight weeks left so we are thinking of getting a bank loan.

"We now need to start thinking of flights, and the hotel needs to be paid for in full in a couple of weeks, so it's all pretty stressful."

Kerry and husband Mark praised local fundraisers for being "absolutely fantastic" - they include pupils of Bexhill High who held Hats For Hayley Day, members of Christchurch Methodist church who presented an evening of summer music, and Sidley man Allan Burbridge who has pledged to lose weight to raise between 5-10,000 during the next six months.

Kerry said: "We have raised about 5,000 through donations and people doing things like the fun run and sponsored events.

"But we need more money now."

The family, which lives in Meadow Crescent, is hoping that fundraising will pick up following the broadcast of a new documentary about 12 year old Hayley on Monday June 14, part of the Channel 5 series Extraordinary People.

Kerry said: "I hope that will spark off quite a bit of interest. I think Hayley will be on GMTV to promote it too, I am hoping so."

So far 18 children have said they will come to the reunion which will be held in Ashford which Kerry is pleased by because only eight were able to attend the Sunshine Reunion in America last year.

"Hayley is really excited '“ she is looking forward to seeing everybody, like we are.

"We know how important it is for Hayley and the other children.

"This will the the first time all the children have met up this year.

"So we will have to see about getting a bank loan, because it will happen."