A MIRFIELD boy’s heartbreaking illness has touched the hearts of people across the globe.

Wellwishers from Ireland, Portugal, the United States and even Australia have contacted Harry Crowther’s family to offer their support and prayers.

The 11-year-old’s story was first highlighted in the Examiner last week.

Harry is the only boy in the world to suffer from a rare form of A-typical Progeria Syndrome, meaning he is ageing five times faster than his friends.

The schoolboy has already been diagnosed with arthritis and takes painkillers four times a day to relieve him from the aches and pains a pensioner may suffer.

His skin has also started to thin as the ageing process takes hold and the bones in his fingers and collar bone have begun to erode.

But despite his life-limiting illness, cheerful Harry refuses to let his symptoms stand in his way.

The Crossley Fields Junior School pupil loves to skateboard, swim and ride his bike.

And his zest for life has captured the hearts of people worldwide.

Dozens of encouraging messages have been posted on a page set-up by Harry’s mum Sharron on social networking site Facebook called Atypical Progeria Syndrome – Raising Awareness.

The page has more than 2,830 members.

The youngster has also received almost 200 requests from people wanting to befriend him on the site – which his parents have decided to block to protect his privacy.

One message from Marjorie Davis Peterson from Elkhart in Indiana, USA, read: “Hi Harry, you’re a brave strong boy. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm glad you get to still play. If I was there I would give you a hug and tell you how proud I am of you and maybe your story will help someone else out there. Stay strong a lot of people are thinking of you. Sending hugs to you.”

Another from Alex Savvides in Australia read: “Harry, all I can say is you are awesome dude. You've probably done things grown men would never do. I commend you for your braveness and fighting spirit hang in there little guy. Hugs from Australia.”

Angela Ciccone also posted: “Hey Harry. Wishes and prayers from Brooklyn NY to you. You’re a doll........ Stay strong with this battle!”

Harry – who lives with his mum Sharron and IT director dad John, 41, sister Emma, 16 and 14-year-old brother Jack – also keeps himself busy outside school as a cub for the 8th Mirfield group.

Last Sunday, he was invited to meet television celebrity Bear Grylls – who is also Chief Scout – at the St George’s Day parade in Windsor.

The invite came after the youngster was presented with the Chief Scout’s Award for his bravery.

Harry said: “I’m still shocked!”