William Tuckwell had the pioneering surgery after being unable to breathe, swallow or eat without medical assistance his whole life, and can now look forward to joining in with his friends William enjoyed a milkshake after his tracheostomy tube was removed (Image: Jam Press/University Hospitals Bristol and Weston)

A seven-year-old boy has had his jaw rebuilt using his own ribs so that he can finally go to sleepovers. William Tuckwell was born with Treacher Collins syndrome.

It meant that he’s been unable to breathe, swallow and eat without medical assistance his whole life. And he’s also missed out on childhood activities , such as swimming, school trips and sleepovers with friends.

Now, though, he’s had groundbreaking surgery to rebuild his lower jaw using bone grafts from

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