The amazing and ‘awkward’ life of Britain’s ‘oldest’ teenager.
Including photographs from Hayley's friends and family and Hayley’s own exclusive photography gallery.
Hayley Okines is just like any other 17-year-old: she loves clothes, shopping, TV and boy bands and hates getting up in the morning.
But she has the rare genetic condition progeria, which means her body ages eight times faster than normal, giving her the body of a 126-year-old woman. Her positive attitude and infectious smile has charmed millions of people, through a series of ‘Extraordinary People’ TV documentaries.
Now in Young at Heart Hayley continues her unusual life story, which began with first memoir Old Before My Time. She reflects on the pains and perks and of growing up with progeria; from the heartbreak of being told she will never walk again to the delight of passing all her exams and starting college. She reveals the success of pioneering American drug trials, the sadness of losing younger friends to the disease and considers mood swings, marriage, music and what it’s like to be ‘famous’.
As she approaches her 17th birthday, four years beyond the average life expectancy, Hayley looks forward to an independent and healthy future and tries hard not to think of what lies ahead.
Includes - exclusive pictures from Hayley's own personal gallery.
Including photographs from Hayley's friends and family and Hayley’s own exclusive photography gallery.
Hayley Okines is just like any other 17-year-old: she loves clothes, shopping, TV and boy bands and hates getting up in the morning.
But she has the rare genetic condition progeria, which means her body ages eight times faster than normal, giving her the body of a 126-year-old woman. Her positive attitude and infectious smile has charmed millions of people, through a series of ‘Extraordinary People’ TV documentaries.
Now in Young at Heart Hayley continues her unusual life story, which began with first memoir Old Before My Time. She reflects on the pains and perks and of growing up with progeria; from the heartbreak of being told she will never walk again to the delight of passing all her exams and starting college. She reveals the success of pioneering American drug trials, the sadness of losing younger friends to the disease and considers mood swings, marriage, music and what it’s like to be ‘famous’.
As she approaches her 17th birthday, four years beyond the average life expectancy, Hayley looks forward to an independent and healthy future and tries hard not to think of what lies ahead.
Includes - exclusive pictures from Hayley's own personal gallery.