ADRIENNE Greenway was told she would not live past the age of nine. But now, aged 18, Adrienne is campaigning to fulfil the wishes of other sick children.

As ambassador for the Make A Wish Foundation her inspirational fundraising has even captured the heart of Hollywood star Jude Law, who she has come to class as a friend.

And top designer Stella McCartney has been so impressed with Adrienne that she is making her a special dress in time for her next fundraising ball.

The teenager from Bayfields in Chepstow has a condition so rare there is no name for it.

A result of what she calls "a genetic hiccup", it means her body is that of someone many times her age.

She suffers from arthritis, brittle bones, tires easily and is vulnerable to infection. A simple cold or bout of flu can put her in hospital.

She said: "Sometimes I can arrange to see my friends and because they have a cold they have to cancel in case I catch it. That can be hard."

But despite her own difficulties, Adrienne is committed to ensuring other sick children have their wishes granted.

She said: "In 2003 the Make A Wish Foundation granted my wish of meeting Mike Myers.

"I got to go to Los Angeles for two weeks and meet him on the set of his film, Cat in the Hat.

"It meant so much to me, it was a real dream and I'll never forget it. "I know just how it can help children and I want to make sure others get the same chance."

Six months ago Adrienne was made an ambassador for the Make A Wish Foundation.

Her mum, Alison, said: "We can empathise with the children and the families and want to help.

"The foundation takes them away from the doctors and nurses and really allows them to escape for a while."

Unfortunately, hospitals, doctors and nurses are something Adrienne has been used to since the age of just six months.

Alison explained: "When I began weaning her she just didn't seem to be thriving and I knew something serious was wrong."

After five years of numerous hospital visits and mis-diagnoses a specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, finally identified the chromosomal abnormality which is the cause of Adrienne's premature ageing.

Now Adrienne, mum Alison, dad Jim, and sisters Hayley, 25, and Lindsey, 23, take each day as it comes.

Alison said: "We were once told she wouldn't live past nine, now she's 18, so we just take everything day by day."

But despite all her difficulties Adrienne has never let her illness get the better of her.

She attended a regular school, took part in extra-curricular events and has travelled the world.

Even when doctors said she would never walk again after an operation to break and re-set her leg bones she managed to prove them wrong.

Her next challenge will be a fundraising dinner in aid of the foundation. Alison said: "We know what good the money will do and we want to raise as much cash as possible."

Adrienne is hosting the fundraising dinner-dance at The Royal George in Tintern, near Chepstow, on March 26. Tickets are £25 and all proceeds will go to the Make A Wish Foundation.

She is also appealing for donations of balloons and champagne. For more information contact 01291 637472.