A year on from her treatment for not eating, in Graz, Austria, at a specialised hospital, Grace (6) is a more happy, contented child who is loving every minute at school.
"It was the best thing to go over there. I can honestly say we would not be where we are now without the programme."
In 2009, the Hughes, their family, friends and the public raised funds for the $50,000 trip to Austria.
They returned to New Zealand in January 2010 with Grace off the gastric tube which had previously kept her alive and eating custard.
"For her, eating food is a shot in the arm," Mrs Hughes said.
While custard was still the mainstay of her diet, she was trying more varieties of food processed.
Her favourite was lambs fry and bacon, Mrs Hughes said.
"She knows she has to have mains before custard but her chew reflex is still not good."
Last year, Grace started school and has integrated well into her classroom at Balaclava School, her teacher says.
"Grace's so much happier with herself and enjoys sitting up and eating lunch with the kids," Mrs Hughes said.
Fellow pupils were very supportive, looking after her and helping her when needed.
She was keen to learn, even doing homework at night alongside her brother Oliver even though she was not assigned any.
"She cries in the weekend when she can't go to school."
Grace was continuing to visit a psychologist who worked on her eating issues, and as a result her confidence in trying new things had improved. She had put on weight and had become stronger, although was still petite for her age.
"She's more interested in food and feels hungry."
Grace also went to speech therapy and her speech had gone "ahead in leaps and bounds".
The family kept in contact with other families who received treatment in Graz and all were finding their children were progressing "slowly but surely", Mrs Hughes said.
"Every step is massive for her but they are small steps."
This year, the challenge would be swimming lessons and gymnastics to help with her mobility and confidence.
