Teenager grows after stretch op

Kirsty Roberts, 16, from Abertillery, has achondroplasia - a genetic disorder of bone growth.

Before the two operation to stretch her legs she measured just 4 foot 2 inches.

Since the first operation in July, Kirsty has grown four inches in just four months and continues to grow a millimetre every day.

The teenager had to spend months in France while she underwent the £41,000 specialist treatment which is not on offer in the UK.

During the first operation, doctors implanted surgical screws measuring eight centimetres, which had to be turned every day to make her legs stretch.

Kirsty underwent further surgery in September when 10 cm screws were inserted.

She is expected to reach her goal of 4 ft 9 - a total growth of seven inches - by January.

Driving ambition

Kirsty said she was delighted with the results of the surgery.

"I've already noticed the difference - I can reach light switches that I never did before," she said.

"Most people might think there is nothing special about turning on a light, but when you can't do it, you know how important it is.

"I am getting taller every day and this is what I have wanted for so long.

"It will make a big difference to my life.

"I really want to learn to drive, but I would never have reached the pedals before.

"Now I'm hoping to get driving lessons for my birthday.

"It will mean more independence for me and is something I'm really looking forward to," she said.

The teenager had to spend three months in the French hospital which gave the treatment.

Kirsty's mother, Kay and her father, Gwyn had to apply to the NHS to pay for the cost of the £41,000 operation.

"We had to fill in forms to say Kirsty really needed this operation and would have to go to France for it," said Mrs Roberts.

The NHS agreed to pay £35,000 for the treatment and people living in Kirsty's local community helped raise the extra £6,000.

"We could not have done any of this without the community's help," said Mrs Roberts.

Brave

A spokesman for Gwent NHS Trust said: "She is an extremely brave and determined girl.

"We are involved in her ongoing treatment now that she has returned home and give good wishes for the future."

Achondroplasia is an inherited, genetic problem which causes abnormal formation of the bones.

It affects about one child in every 20,000.