'It’s like poison to him': Seven-year-old Harry from Cork can’t process protein

Harry was born with a life-threatening genetic condition and needed urgent medical attention in Temple Street Children's Hospital  

Lorraine Spillane with son Harry who has Tyrosinaemia Type 1, a rare genetic disorder. 

He’s her ‘Tyrosinaemia trooper’, but when seven-year-old Harry was born Lorraine Spillane never suspected her son had a rare, life-threatening condition.

The sports-mad little boy has Tyrosinaemia Type 1, a genetic disorder meaning he’s missing an enzyme to break down protein. “His body can’t process protein. It’s like poison to him. Without lifelong medication, it would damage his brain, liver and kidney function.”