Little Jorgie Parker, 11, with her Braveheart award (Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

When Jorgie Parker was just seven she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that causes severe spinal issues including scoliosis. Since then, Longbenton High's Jorgie, 11, has been under the knife more than most people could ever imagine.

The little lass, who lives in Forest Hall, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis after a Tyneside consultant spotted the rare condition.

Mum Nicola Young said: "She's had nine surgeries in four years. Her scoliosis was actually a side-effect of the condition. Until she was seven we had no clue. We had noticed the scoliosis before but it was only in hospital that this was spotted."

Neurofibromatosis is a condition which sees non-cancerous tumours develop

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