A QUARRY Bank teenager is the 1,000th patient recruited to a hospital project that is looking to transform the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases and cancer.

Megan Wood’s recruitment to the 100,000 Genomes Project signalled the milestone for the team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The national initiative – the first of its type in the world – is decoding complete sets of genetic information to help scientists and doctors understand more about specific conditions.

Megan, 18, has been cared for by the hospital since she was two-years-old when she was diagnosed with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis and later, interstitial lung disease.

She is hoping that by taking part, the project could help with more targeted and personalised treatment offered to both herself and others.

The Halesowen College student said: “It can be really frustrating at times because my condition can mean I can’t do everyday things like my friends.

“That’s obviously annoying, so I’m hoping that by taking part it might lead to more of an explanation on what causes the problems.”

The project has seen 14,946 genomes sequenced so far across the country. Genomes are found in almost every cell of the body and are the instructions for making people who they are.

Dr Larissa Kerecuk, consultant paediatric nephrologist and clinical lead for rare diseases at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “We’re passionate about improving the care and treatment we offer to our children and young people, which is why we’re proud to be part of the ground-breaking 100,000 Genome Project.

“Our team work tirelessly to promote the exciting initiative that could potentially transform healthcare in years to come.

“Most importantly, we’d like to say a huge thank-you to Megan and all of our patients and families that have agreed to take part.”