YOUNG Matthew Garratt, who lives with the painful genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), aims to cross the finish line of the Tamworth Fun Run in February to raise money for DebRA.
Eight-year-old Matthew, of Baddesley Ensor, Atherstone, in Warwickshire, will be taking part in the 4 kilometre fun run with his father Mark and mother Julie – and the family are hoping that lots more people will join them on the start line.
Matthew was born with Dowling Meara EB, which means that his skin blisters at the slightest friction. Because of his condition he gets badly blistered feet so he will be strolling around the course with his parents rather than running. He is collecting sponsorship money, which will all go to DebRA.
DebRA funds specialist EB nurses, provides a welfare team to support families living with EB and it also funds vital research programmes with the aim of putting and end to the pain of EB.
Matthew said: “A friend of my dad is organising the run so we talked it over and we decided to take part together. Lots of my friends and family have sponsored me so that I can raise loads of money for DebRA.
“DebRA is a really good charity that has helped me and my family and also helps other people with EB. I really want lots of people to join the fun run so we can raise lots of money for DebRA.
“It would also help me finish the course if lots of people were there to support me and my mum and dad. If we can do it then anyone can.”
The fun run takes place on Sunday February 19 at the Castle Pleasure Grounds, Tamworth, at 10am.
There is no age limit and people of all fitness levels and abilities are welcome to take part. The entry fee is £5 and any sponsorship raised will go directly to DebRA.
To take part in the Fun Run and get your sponsor form please visit www.tamworthheartrunners.org.uk, telephone Tamworth Heart Runners on 01827 706 745 or 01827 250 588 or just turn up and enter on the day.
The fun run will take place alongside the Tamworth Heart 10K which aims to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
For details of the fun run visit www.debra.org.uk.
