Adelaide boy with rare rapid-ageing condition starts school

The only boy in Australia with an extremely rare rapid-ageing condition has reached a special milestone in his life, starting school in Adelaide.

Experts say five-year-old Enzo Cornejo, who suffers from progeria, has a life expectancy of just 14 years.

But that hasn’t stopped him from starting school like other kids his age.

“It’s quite hard as a parent because you’re always afraid that something might happen to him,” Enzo’s mother Catherina said.

Given Enzo’s fragile bones, his school St Mary’s Memorial had to prepare for his arrival.

“Because he easily bruises and his skin is quite thin, we had to ensure that things like sharp corners were taken into consideration,” school principal Na Izzo said.

To help him get settled, student Joseph Tregenza has been assigned as Enzo’s buddy and says he feels like the five-year-old’s “bodyguard”.

“I stay around him, take care of him,” Joseph said.

Enzo’s mum said she is grateful the other students have embraced the five-year-old and take good care of him at school.

“I couldn’t believe how the other kids are so gentle with him,” Catherina said.

If you'd like to help fund research for a cure, CLICK HERE