A mother from Coggeshall whose son suffers from a rare bone disease has praised a drug which has helped his condition.

Daniel Humphris, 14, who along with his twin brother Ben suffers from brittle bone disease and attends Honywood School, developed osteoporosis when he was 10, a condition more commonly found in the elderly.

But about a year ago, Daniel, who is now in a wheelchair because of his condition, became the first child to be given the drug Pamidronate, which he takes every two months at the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital in Middlesex.

It is now hoped that the drug is going to become more widely available to osteoporosis sufferers.

Daniel's mum Jennifer, who is married to Graham, said that scans have revealed that his bone density, which was about half of what it should be, is getting stronger.

"There's nothing else they can take, although they can try and increase their intake of calcium in their diet.

"We hope eventually this drug will enable Daniel to get back to the way he was before. Now he so limited as to what he can do, like sports. Scans have already suggested that his bone density has improved," she said.

Jennifer added that the drug has definitely given the family hope for the future.

"At the moment everything from family holidays to days out are restricted, as both boys have to be so careful, but now we just have to wait to see what happens in the future."

Daniel has also outgrown his wheelchair and Jennifer is appealing for donations, which will go towards the £2,300 needed for a new, easier to handle one.

Donations can be sent to The UK OI Foundation, Foundation House, Enbrook Valley, Folkstone.

Daniel and Ben Humphris with parents Graham and Jenny.

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