'Untreatable' tot saved

Conor's life-threatening condition is '99% cured' by world-first op

- BY PHIL CARDY

LITTLE Conor O'Rourke flashes a courageous smile after doctors saved his life when he was diagnosed with a dangerous rare birth defect feared untreatable.

The youngster was around nine months old when it was confirmed he had vein of Galen malformation, which is so rare it affects only one in a million.

Diagnosed in 10 to 12 babies a year in the UK, the condition causes the veins and arteries in the brain to abnormally connect.

If undetected, it can lead to neurological problems and heart failure.

Conor's mum Lucy, 36, and dad Sean, 38, were unaware that there was anything wrong until a doctor at an appointment for an unrelated issue questioned their tot's "pronounced forehead".

Lucy said: "He had very visible veins on his forehead and his temples, round his eyes.