Teenager told she may never eat or drink again

A schoolgirl has been told by doctors she may never eat or drink again after being diagnosed with a rare condition.

Lily Tock, 16, from Brough in East Yorkshire, is fed through tubes for 18 hours each day.

She suffers from gastroparesis, or delayed stomach emptying, which paralyses her stomach.

The condition affects just 6% of the population.

Lily is now speaking about and raising awareness of the illness, with hope that one day she will find a cure.

  • What is gastroparesis? Scroll down for further information

Lily's symptoms began two years ago, but she was only officially diagnosed with gastroparesis last August.

At home in Brough, Lily's father Paul helps her with the daily ritual of getting the nutrition she needs, fats oils and vitamins fed to her through a tube.

Lily wants to raise awareness of the rare condition. Credit: Tock family

Despite her ordeal Lily's parents say she has been very brave in coping with her illness and helping to raise awareness of a condition which can often be overlooked.

Lily's mother, Karen, said: "She has just taken it all in her stride. She is generally quite a strong person as well.

"Although she is sensitive she is string in a lot of ways to have to deal with what she has dealt with at such a young age."

Her father, Paul, agreed: "She is a very loving caring person.

"She is always trying to help people on the gastro website - giving answers or help with answers and trying to help other people in her situation."

Lily now wants to be fitted with a gastric pacemaker, with the hope that it will encourage her stomach to work again.

File photo of a hospital ward. Credit: PA

  • What is gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a rare condition where the stomach can't empty itself in the normal way.

  • What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of gastroparesis may include feeling full very quickly when eating, feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, tummy (abdominal) pain or discomfort and heartburn.

  • Can a person eat or drink?

The stomach can't cope with any food or drink, meaning patients can only be fed through tubes filled with fats, oils and minerals.

  • Is there a cure?

Gastroparesis can't usually be cured, but dietary changes and medical treatment can help you control the condition.

There is some hope that a gastric pacemaker can be fitted to encourage the stomach to work.

  • How common is it?

Only six per cent of the UK population have gastroparesis.

It is a rare condition which can often be overlooked by GPs. Campaigners say getting it diagnosed is hard and that early only early diagnosis can allow patients to pursue a potential cure.