Jason Stevenson has had 55 rounds of surgery – and counting – to clear the warts that fill his throat and threaten to choke him. They are the legacy of an up-to-now incurable and potentially lethal childhood disease.

But now, a potential cure has arrived from a surprising source, and could save his grandchildren from suffering the same illness.

Jason Stevenson and daughter Jody.

In an unexpected side effect, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine being given to schoolchildren around Australia has almost eradicated cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

Scientists believe it is possible the disease could soon be wiped out in Australia.