'100-year-old teenager' dies

Hayley Okines, from Bexhill in East Sussex, UK, the young campaigner who fought to raise awareness of progeria, which causes sufferers to age eight times faster, has died at the age of 17.

Hayley became known as the "100-year-old teenager" and won thousands of hearts as she and her family raised funds for her medical treatment and to raise awareness of her condition.

She also published an autobiography Old Before My Time at the age of 14.

Her mother Kerry announced the death on her Facebook page, writing: "My baby has gone somewhere better.

"She took her last breath in my arms at 9.39pm."

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome causes accelerated ageing and people with the condition also suffer heart problems, lack of growth and loss of body fat and hair.

The Progeria Foundation also posted a tribute 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."
Source - Mirror