A SIX-year-old local lad who undertook a 100km cycle challenge in aid of charity during the month of August, despite suffering from a severe skin condition, has raised £265 to-date.

Natalie Weir explained that Adam, his younger sister and older brother, suffer from EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa).

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic skin conditions that cause the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch.

Those born with EB have skin so fragile they are called “butterfly children” – their skin is quite simply as fragile as the wing of a butterfly.

Painful open wounds and sores form where this exceptionally fragile skin is damaged – in some cases, internal linings and organs are also affected.

Complications as a result of secondary infection and extensive scarring are factors that people living with EB often have to face.

Tragically, certain types of EB can be fatal in infancy and others are severely life-limiting. The charity estimates that more than 5,000 people are living with EB in the UK, and 500,000 worldwide.

Sadly there is no cure.

Adam was raising funds for DEBRA, which is the only charity supporting the EB Community through grants to help members get access to food supplies, assisting with other financial issues, securing dressing supplies and supporting mental health and well-being.

Key issues under lockdown are loneliness, anxiety and fear and their Support Team is doing all they can to talk to and stay in touch with vulnerable members, including new virtual support groups.

Natalie added: “We would like to thank everyone that donated, it’s going to make a massive difference to some patients with EB.

“The giving page will still be open for a couple more months but Adam has managed to raise £275 to-date.

“He completed the 100km with 11km over, so did 111km.

“Adam had blistering in places where we had to get him some padded shorts on top of dressings to carry on but he managed to push through and is healing nicely.”

If anyone wants to donate to Adam’s fundraising, please do so via: https://www.justgiving.com/team/AdamsTeam .

Donations can also be made via the Courier office at 102 High Street, Crediton.