With great sadness I have to report the passing of Hayley Okines, who yesterday lost her lifelong battle with Progeria aged 17. I'm not sure of the exact details but it seems she was suffering from pneumonia and had been in hospital for several days, apart from a brief visit home. Kerry, her mum, made the following touching statement on Facebook:

'My baby girl has gone somewhere better. She took her last breath in my arms at 9.39pm x.'

Hayley played an important part in my life and career and it was a true privilege to have known her and have been touched by her magic. I'm sure everyone who has helped me to tell her story will feel the same, and wish to send our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones. R.I.P Hayley Okines, you will be missed by literally millions of people around the World.

The photo here shows Hayley reading through the script before recording the voiceover to the last film she made with me, in 2011, along with my director and friend Nicki Stoker.