DNA test set to reveal why space scientist is just 4ft tall

It will be the first real opportunity to find out what my genes will tell me about my own condition of being height restricted, said Mr Loweth.

I have approached this as a scientist and engineer and I want to take part because it may divulge secrets which will help others.

Clinics across the country are taking part in the landmark project which will sequence 100,000 genomes by 2017, a feat that has never been attempted on such a scale, anywhere in the world.

The DNA of more than 75,000 people will be screened, as well as genetic make-up of thousands of tumours to find the underlying mechanisms behind life threatening and debilitating diseases.

David Cameron has said that the project will transform the future of health care, leading to new diagnostic tests and better drugs and treatments.

Mr Loweth was born in August 1977 at Basildon Hospital. His brother John who was eight at the time had also suffered from small stature but specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital could not find a cause.

His father Peter was 6ft 2ins and his late mother Helgamarie was 5ft 8ins. Doctors assured them there was just a one in 200 chance of the condition affecting later children.

But when I was born it was confirmed I had the same syndrome within half an hour, said Mr Loweth.

Its strange because, if anything, I come from quite a tall family. My parents never said I was disabled or treated me any differently, but we all get handed cards and some are more obvious than others.

I have never had a diagnosis and I was told that if I wanted to find out what was wrong I would have to go down a genetic route. This should bring my the answers that I am looking for.

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DNA test set to reveal why space scientist is just 4ft tall