Rare genetic condition makes toddler feel hungry no matter how much she eats

This brave little girl has a rare condition that leaves her permanently hungry - no matter how much she eats.

The rare genetic disorder Prader-Willi syndrome means little Rosie Gray will never know when she's full.

Rosie has Prader-Willi syndrome, an incurable genetic condition caused by a missing part of a chromosome, typically causes developmental delay and short stature.

It also leads to an insatiable appetite - which can in turn result in life-threatening obesity if not properly managed.

Mum Sarah Gray, 35, said: "They say it's like a silent switch goes off. Part of her brain is missing to tell her that she's full up, so she will always feel hungry.

"It will mean constant supervision, set meal times, cupboards locked, fridge locked, our whole lifestyle will have to change."

"We are going to have to grow into this, we will have to try to educate Rosie as soon as possible that it's not ok to eat all the time," she continued.

"The more I learn about it, the more scared I get because it's not just the food issue."

Seven-and-a-half-month-old Rosie's development remains slower than many other babies and she will take longer to reach milestones such as rolling and crawling.

She is undergoing regular physiotherapy, but the family, from Plymouth, realise they face a difficult journey.

The next step is to start Rosie on a growth hormone, which will help develop muscle tone and boost her strength.

Mrs Gray, who has three other daughters aged between two and four, will take part in the Mud and Sweat Mud Run in September in aid of the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research UK with a group of friends.

Mrs Gray has already raised more than £1,300 and says she has been overwhelmed by the support of the public.

She said: "You have to have some hope for a better future. I don't know how much hope there is, but I know we have to have it. It's going to be a long old rocky road."