JUDD READY FOR FASTER SET OF WHEELS

FALLING over may result in scuffed knees or a bruise for most children, but a small stumble results in broken bones for Drysdale schoolboy Judd Hughes.

The 11-year-old, pictured, was diagnosed with the rare genetic disease McCune Albright Syndrome at the age of three.

The condition, which affects bone growth, causes his bones to break easily.

Mother Claire Hughes told the Geelong Advertiser Judd had suffered six bone breaks from incidents that would normally result in a bruised knee for the average child.

“His breakages were from things like slipping over on the floor, getting a football kicked into his leg at the playground at school — they can just appear from any amount of impact,” she said.

“He will be in a bit of pain — then all of a sudden he’ll have a fracture.”

The Hughes family’s world was turned upside down when they discovered Judd’s strange walking movements were actually the start of a rare genetic disease.

There is no cure for McCune Albright Syndrome. After nine surgeries on his legs, Judd remains wheelchair-bound.

“He walked a bit funny, and then got diagnosed,” she said. “It was devastating.

“For the next 12 months all I did was live and breathe the syndrome but now it’s just a part of our life.”

But despite his physical limitations, he remains determined to chase his sporting dreams.

His school has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser for a new sports wheelchair for Judd, so he can one day compete in the Victorian Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team.

He currently plays in an adult basketball competition, part of Parallel Sports Inc.

Mrs Hughes said Judd has his sights set on being a basketball national champion.

The fundraiser has raised about $2300 out of a $3000 target for the new sports wheelchair. Mrs Hughes said the faster sports wheelchair would enable Judd to achieve his dream. Once he outgrows the wheelchair, it will then be passed on to another young athlete in need of assistance.

To donate, go to: gofundme.com/f/ sports-chair-for-judd