Miracle milestone for Miss Courage

COURAGEOUS . . . Helaina Stone celebrates her 21st birthday with family and friends at Smokies Park Hotel

A milestone 21st birthday has taken on special significance for Helaina Stone and her family - because they never thoght she would make it to that age.

Helaina suffers from Costello syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes physical disabilities, learning difficulties and speech problems, and was not expected to survive beyond her teens.

Having survived cancer twice, brain and heart surgery and numerous other operations and procedures, she has astounded doctors.

Sunday’s 21st birthday party at Smokies Park Hotel was a joyous event for Helaina and her mum and dad Cath and Colin, who live in New Moston.

The party guests included not only Helaina’s family and friends but her consultants, geneticists, nurses, pharmacists and former teachers too!

A past winner of the Child of Courage accolade, Helaina designed her own birthday cake and even showed off her love of dancing.

“She had a fantastic time, it was everything she had dreamed of,” said Cath. “It’s an incredible achievement she’s still with us, so this wasn’t just a 21st party, it was a chance to get together with all the people who have been in her life and are important to her being here today.

“There was a pharmacy assistant who has known Helaina since she was two, and even the geneticist who diagnosed her when she was born. It was fantastic reunion.”

Helaina and her family are due to fly to Seattle in July for the International Costello syndrome support group conference.

Cath and Colin will host a UK and Europe conference in September for those unable to travel to the states.

See pictures from Helaina’s party at facebook.com/costellokidsuk