'Paige is so much happier since she's able to move more freely'

YOUNGSTER TAKES FIRST STEPS AGED 6 AS SHE BATTLES EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CONDITION

- By SUE KIRBY

Jayne Headland with her daughter Paige

A COURAGEOUS Teesside youngster is standing on her own two feet for the first time as she battles a rare genetic disorder.

Brave Paige Headland was born with severe medical issues, including decreased muscle tone, spasticity causing stiff muscles and some global developmental delays.

Her family fought for years to find out what was wrong, but it took until last year for Paige to finally be diagnosed with CTNNB1 syndrome - which affects less than 500 people in the world. Double hip surgery was carried out in 2023 to help Paige and, now that the metalwork from the operation has been removed, she is learning to walk.

The future is looking brighter for the little girl thanks to the love and support of people across Teesside.

Her mum, NHS worker Jayne Headland, managed to complete the Great North Run this year for charity and for Paige's physio work.