AFTER years of doctors not knowing what his condition was, a mum has spoken of her relief to get a diagnosis for her son – which was one in a million.

Angela Davies, from South Ockendon, said that for years, doctors were stumped by her son, Freddie’s symptoms which included swollen joints and severe pain.

She said: “Freddie started showing worrying symptoms when he was a young baby. In January 2009, when he was just 11-months-old he became really poorly.

“His eyes were so swollen he was unable to open them at all, he had a temperature, his joints were swollen and he was crying in pain – but doctors couldn’t determine his condition.”

After years of testing, Freddie, who is now eight years old, was referred to the Rheumatology department at Great Ormond Street where he was finally diagnosed with Cryopyrin-Associated Autoinflammatory Syndrome - a very rare inflammatory disease which causes periodic fever.

Ms Davies said: “We were really relieved to get a diagnosis and Freddie’s life has really changed since.

“His quality of life has really improved because he had begun to get arthritis in his knees and ankles and would struggle to walk. Sometimes we had to carry him because he was in so much pain.

“We used to have to get a taxi from the Tube to the hospital because he couldn’t walk the short distance, but now he is playing football and running around like any other eight-year-old and our family were able to have their first holiday abroad together.

“He is so much better and happier. Being in pain all the time is miserable, especially for a child who doesn’t understand why.

“He has more energy now and his attendance at school has improved, he has started to play football and his joints and eyes no longer swell on a regular basis.”

Ms Davies and her family have now decided to fundraise for the hospital, in a bid to help raise money for other children like Freddie. The family, and many others, are taking part in Bad Hair Day, which encourages youngsters to wear a wacky hairstyle for a day.

Funds raised from Bad Hair Day 2017 will go towards the hospital’s most urgent fundraising needs including pioneering new treatments and research, providing cutting edge equipment and supporting the redevelopment of the hospital. Visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/FreddieDavies