“I have seen people literally trip up because they’ve been so busy trying to look at her,” said her 5 foot 7 ins 16-year-old sister Kelly. “Shopping for clothes is never easy with any teenage girl, but it is really difficult with Emma,” added her mum, Angela.

“The other day we were looking around Hampton, going in every shop, trying to find something, and we were really struggling. And then people were just staring at us.

“Sometimes groups of kids will come really close to her and stare or say stupid things.

“I really wish parents had the manners to tell their children not to behave like that. It’s tempting to walk in front of her or behind her, to try and block people’s view.”

Before Emma was born Angela (46) and Colin (48) were told that their daughter would have restricted growth, but also that she might have problems with her limbs.

“We were more worried about her limbs working than anything else,” said Angela. “And when people are born with dwarfism, they are more or less the same size as any other baby. When she was born we were just so glad she was healthy.”

Emma is now 13, and just like any other teenager, but she has had some struggles.

“When she went to primary school she had a very understanding headteacher,” said Angela. “But then that head left and was replaced by another, who didn’t understand things as well.

“Emma struggled to join in with PE, and so was told to lie on the floor and hold the rugby ball. She was also backstop during a game of rounders, and got hit on the head by the bat as it swung round. People just didn’t think things through. And the head also told her she had psychological problems. We moved her to a new school, and she was fine. She hasn’t got psychological problems.

“Some people just don’t realise that there is more to dwarfism than being short. If you’re short you can still put your hands right above your head.

“With dwarfism, you can often only get the tips of your fingers above your head. Small things like that, but they make all the difference.”

Angela is manager of the Restricted Growth Society (RGS), and the organisers of Genes for Jeans are supporting this year’s RGS convention, which is being held in Peterborough in September.

“Money from Jeans for Genes means we can hold the conference, which is invaluable for parents to come together and talk to each other, and get health advice,” said Angela. “It is good for the kids to meet each other as well. There will be medical workshops, and displays of new equipment.

“And it helps new parents to realise that there are people going through the same things as them. That’s why I think attitudes towards people with dwarfism have changed.