A PROBLEM SHARED

Hayley's mother, Kerry Button, said the benefit of having Michaela's family around, and the understanding of Bexhill residents, was enormous.

Both girls have an incurable aging disease which accelerates their physical condition to that of someone eight times their age.

They have lost their hair and are susceptible to age-related illnesses, such as arthritis and strokes.

Michaela's parents, Lizzie McAvoy and Pat Doyle, and sisters Melissa and Chloe - moved to Bexhill from Sheffield last November, and instantly created a support network for Kerry and Mark Okines.

Kerry said: "I just want people to know that it really helps, it is great the kids are together.

"It is good for them, but also good for me and Lizzie. We can talk to each other if the girls have a bad day. "

They met at the Sunshine Foundation, an American research centre for progeria, where they hope to return for an international reunion next June.

Hayley has been at the heart of media attention surrounding the illness, and Michaela's story has further promoted awareness since her campaign to raise 10,000 for the trip to America was launched through the Observer in September.

The appeal stands at 9,052 thanks to the donations from Bexhill residents.

For them, it is an important trip as Michaela has reached the age doctors predicted she would never see.

Progeria sufferers are not expected to reach their teens.

Lizzie said: "Michaela sees the other children at the reunion as her brothers and sisters, and it is the only time of year she feels 'normal' - relaxed and comfortable like she should do all year long. The children don't all speak the same language, but they all have a real connection.

"As parents, we get the chance to share our experiences."

Kerry said: "Not only is it important for Hayley, but for myself and Mark too. I honestly think If I had never attended the first reunion, I wouldn't be here now.

NOT ISOLATED

"We don't feel like we are isolated. There are lots of other families there who are going through what we feel. They can talk to us about what medication suits their child best, and things like that.

"Lizzie told me the first thing Michaela did when she got there was take her bandana off, because she felt comfortable around other children who had lost their hair."

Hundreds of Bexhill residents have donated money to Michaela's campaign, and some have also passed cheques to the Observer for Hayley.

A neighbour to the McAvoy's, June O'Connor, held a chocolate party and raised 52.

Another 100 was donated through Councillor Charles Clark, following his very successful fundraising evening, which raised 457.

Hayley's fundraising continues with an auction of signed Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrachelo posters, which can be bid for by emailing [email protected]

The tiger donated by Phillip Moore, of Glovers Lane, stands in the Observer office, where bids will be taken and the money raised split between both girls.