'It was sad and shocking' - Halifax mum bids to help daughter with rare genetic condition

Kealey Carney, 27, who lives in Savile Park, has spoken about her six-month-old daughter's physical struggles after she was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome - a rare genetic condition causing a wide range of physical symptoms, learning difficulties and behavioural problems.

Ms Carney's daughter Hallie McCallion, who was born alongside her twin brother Vinnie on June 17, has been suffering with plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, also known as 'flat head syndrome' where the head is flattened on one side, causing it to look asymmetrical.

Ms Carney said: "Hallie is completely dependent on me to help her all the time.

"Due to her condition she cannot hold her head up straight, so one of her head is being flat being she's new born and putting all her weight on it."

As a result, baby Hallie needs a specialised helmet according to her mum, who is looking to raise as much money from public donations to secure a better future for her daughter.

Ms Carney said Hallie was given her diagnosis four weeks after her birth.

Now, the mother-of-four is on paternity leave caring for her children - Laken, six, Oliver, 5, Vinnie, and Hallie - full-time.

She said: "It was sad and shocking to hear what she was going through - but we have had to get used it.

"It's hard because Hallie doesn't know when she's hungry so it's important to set up a routine for her.

"I'm constantly trying to keep her active through exercising because she's not able-bodied."

Tomorrow, Hallie will have her first Endocrinology appointment to start a growth hormone sessions to help with her restricted growth, one of the side effects of her syndrome.

Going forward, Ms Carney is hoping to also use any public donations to take her six-month-old daughter across the Atlantic to the United States to visit a specialised pediatric physical therapy centre named NAPA, in Boston.

If you would like to make a donation, visit: Help Hallie receive the care she needs