Youngster celebrates 6th birthday amid clinical trial to save her sight

Holly Nayler, from Essex, has turned six while reaching a key milestone in a pioneering clinical trial aimed at slowing vision loss from CLN2 Batten disease. The rare, life-limiting neurological condition affects about 30 to 50 children in the UK and progressively reduces mobility, speech, vision and cognitive abilities. After eye assessments every six to eight weeks, doctors in December confirmed Holly’s eligibility. Further scans in London led to a phone call this summer confirming she was fully eligible for one of 16 trial spaces. Holly is child number 15, with treatment expected to help preserve sight in one eye. Her family reports improved walking after new ankle orthotic splints and support at a new school despite recurring seizures.