Prince Charles asks Hayley for her autograph

And the four year-old, who is one of only five children in the UK with the aging disease progeria, showed her brave spirit by plucking up the courage to ask Prince Charles for his autograph at the star-studded awards ceremony.

The Prince rarely gives autographs but made a special exception for Hayley, then brought a huge smile to the youngster's face by requesting HER autograph.

Other guests at the event Woman's Own, held at Westminster Abbey, included Roger Moore, Ross Kemp, Lorraine Kelly, Cat Deeley, Billie Piper, Norman Wisdom and Celebrity Big Brother winner Mark Owen.

But it was Hayley who stole the show as the stars were charmed by her infectious giggle. She and the nine other winners were then given a guided tour of number 10 Downing Street and put up for the night in a posh hotel.

Judges at Woman's Own were impressed with Hayley's character and resilience faced with the crippling disease.

She already has the heart and lungs of a 32-year-old, has lost most of her hair and is unlikely to live to see her 13th birthday.

"She's such an outgoing little girl," said mum, Kerry Button, 28. "She's always smiling, from the moment she gets up until it's time for bed. She's the light of my life," she added.

But when Hayley asks about the future, her mum admits she finds it hard to reveal the heartbreaking truth.

"She'll say, 'Mum, when I grow out of my illness, I'll have hair, won't I?' But I've had to break the news that she won't ever grow out of it," said Kerry. "It's difficult to say no to Hayley, but we've made a pact not to spoil her. We want to bring her up like a normal child."