“You Would Have Thought One Rare Disease on One Boy Was Enough”

A schoolboy labelled a “ticking timebomb” after suffering a rare illness has now been diagnosed with life-limiting mitochondrial disease.

The family of Callum McGilligan have been left shocked by the diagnosis which adds to an ongoing catalogue of conditions the 10-year-old suffers from.

Sister Faye, 22, said: “Well, you would have thought one rare disease on one boy was enough. Not for Callum.

“There is no cure for this disease which is for many debilitating and life-limiting. Callum now undergoes regular heart monitoring and is constantly in and out of hospital for tests.”

Alongside his latest diagnosis, Callum, of Longbenton, North Tyneside, continues to battle Alternating Hemoplegia of Childhood (AHC), a rare neurological disorder that can leave sufferers paralysed.

Faye added: “At the minute, he is on a cocktail of drugs, around 12 syringes full, trying to control these diseases.

“He’s also in a constant battle with his own blood and has needed numerous platelet transfusions to help.”

Callum made national headlines after pop superstar and family friend Cheryl Fernandez-Versini donated signed merchandise, as well as helping the schoolboy to fulfil his “bucket list”.

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