The little boy who can split his lip without realising: Meet the three-year-old who doesn't feel pain

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated: 10:02 EST, 6 May 2011


Not being able to feel pain sounds like a dream... until you imagine the implications.

Oliver Jebson's parents have to watch him extra carefully as he is not able to feel the physical pain that warns toddlers against touching hot or sharp things.

The three-year-old suffers from a rare form of dwarfism which, as well as stunting his growth, means that he doesn't notice when he has hurt himself.

The brave tot is completely oblivious to hurting himself if he takes a tumble.

Brave little boy: Oliver Jebson (right) who cannot feel pain with his parents Hayley, 25, and Dean, 27, and brother Lewis

Brave little boy: Oliver Jebson (right) who cannot feel pain with his parents Hayley, 25, and Dean, 27, and brother Lewis

He has even split his lip open before without shouting out to his worried parents.

His mum, Hayley, 25, and dad, Dean, 27, from Grimsby, Lincs, have to constantly keep an eye out for their little boy - in case he seriously injuries himself without realising.

Hayley said: 'Oliver will be four this year but he is tiny for his age. When people ask how old he is, they never believe me.

'There are so many things he has to endure. He can't feel pain, which is very dangerous.

'The other day, he fell over and his bottom tooth went through his top lip. He didn't even flinch. The only time he ever cries is through temper.'

Oliver was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), which affects just one in 50,000 children, at birth.

The condition, also known as Amsterdam Dwarf Syndrome, causes sufferers to have stunted growth, and occasionally can mean that pain sensors are blocked out.

Doctors who diagnosed Oliver with the syndrome warned his devastated parents that he was unlikely to survive beyond his second birthday.

'In many ways, Oliver is just like any other boy of his age. He loves muck and animals'

But incredibly, Oliver has beaten the odds and is now making incredible progress.

After six operations and dozens of hospital appointments, Oliver has recently taken his first steps and has uttered his first words - years ahead of schedule.

Oliver was born weighing just 4lb 9oz.

Dad Dean, who works for a trailer-fitting company, said: 'When Oliver was born, he was no bigger than a Lucozade bottle and we feared the worst.

'He looked like a little old man, but he has continued to surprise us.

'We still need to be ever so careful with him. If one of us has got a cold, we try to keep well clear.

'Our main aim is to make more people aware of the condition. It is International CdLS Awareness Day next Monday.

'In many ways, Oliver is just like any other boy of his age. He loves muck and animals. We have got some ponies which he absolutely loves and he is always trying to kiss our Jack Russell, Millie, whether she likes it or not!'

Oliver's older brother, Lewis, 6, added: 'I am very proud of my little brother. I know he is poorly but he is getting better.

'I will always look after him.'

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