The family of a young north-east boy with a rare genetic condition have backed a national campaign to raise awareness of the disorder.
Alfie Henderson, from Banff, was born with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, also known as DiGeorge Syndrome, which affects around one in every 3,000 people.
Symptoms can include learning problems, mental health issues, infections and also rheumatoid arthritis.
Louise Henderson, the 10-year-old’s mum, has been highlighting the condition at a Max Appeal charity event for parents of children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.
The 38-year-old teamed up with Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid and the charity for the gathering at the Satrosphere Science Centre in Aberdeen last Saturday.
Mrs Henderson explained what it was like to have a child with the condition.
The self-employed nail technician said: “There are 180 different symptoms and you never get two children with the condition the same.
“There are a lot of kids with serious heart problems and we are lucky Alfie doesn’t have a heart condition.
“A lot of kids have autism and ADHD, which Alfie does have symptoms but they have never been diagnosed.”
She also welcomed the chance to meet other parents who face the same battles as her and her 35-year-old cleaner husband Danny.
Mr Duguid is the chairman of Westminster’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.
He said it was helpful to meet families and have serious discussions about the syndrome.
He said: “The main focus is on increasing awareness.”