Tube-fed Courteney, 10, can finally eat unaided

A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl who has spent her life being fed through a tube arising out of a rare disorder is finally able to eat following a specialised programme at a hospital in Austria.

Courteney Leahy Geasley from Cobh, Co Cork suffers from Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome in which part of the 22nd chromosome is missing.

There are many medical conditions associated with the condition, including cardiovascular defects, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal problems, immune system problems, growth issues and kidney differences. Up to last month Courteney had to be fed through a tube in her stomach.