Mollyjane Boyson was the undisputed star of the show at the Morpeth Junior Rugby League on Saturday, as supporters and players came together to put on a special day for their young guest of honour. 

Mollyjane was born with Carnitine-Acylcarnitine Translocase Deficiency, a rare genetic illness that means her body can't break down fats. At just three years old she became the oldest known survivor of the disease worldwide. 

Her short life so far has involved numerous medical hurdles – part of the reason why Morpeth Junior Rugby League committee member Craig Green decided to put on “a really special day” for her. 

The eight-year-old led out the Morpeth under 11s side, presented medallions for the players’ player and most improved, ran the kicking tee and watched the play unfold from a couch perched on the sideline.

To her delight, she was also presented with a specially baked unicorn cake by the club. 

“She had a wonderful time, she really loved it,” Mr Green said of the day. 

“Ultimately it was about making her feel special…she seemed to have a smile from the time she got there until she left.”

Watching the family’s reaction made the day even more special, he added. 

“Seeing the reaction to their little girl being treated so well was really nice,” he said. 

Mollyjane’s mother Jessica Rothwell called the whole day “heart warming”.

“She had the best day, she’s still talking about it,” she said.

“It’s just heart warming to see a community come together for a little girl like that.” 

She said the day also helped in raising awareness about the rare condition – which was the first step in striving towards a cure.

“From the bottom of our heart, we just want to thank everyone involved with it.”