Fairytale of New York

CATH and Helaina Stone at Radio City in New York

COURAGEOUS teen Helaina Stone has had a fairy tale time in New York.

Helaina, who suffers a rare genetic disorder, Costello syndrome, last year celebrated an 18th birthday medics thought she would never see. Charity Wish Upon a Star flew her to New York for a dream break.

She and mum and dad Cath and Colin had an eight-day stay: “We had a wonderful time,” said Cath.

The new year has brought more exciting dates for Helaina’s diary. The family is set to fly to Florida in July to help host the Costello Conference.

Colin compiles scientific information for the event, now in its 12th year: “The youngsters go to a special camp while the adults hold medical meetings,” said Cath. “Its one of the few times the children meet others like themselves. We then bring the conference to Northampton in August.”

Helaina’s next milestone this year will be leaving school and starting college.