From blisters to bronze: Laverne’s international hockey journey

by Laverne Martin, 9th September 2025 (Last updated 9th September 2025)

Living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) means facing daily pain, uncertainty, and physical limitations. But for Laverne, born with EB Simplex in Northern Ireland, sport has always been a passion – and a challenge. Her story is one of resilience, community, and the life-changing support she received from DEBRA UK.

Laverne was born in Northern Ireland in 1966 with EB Simplex. From birth, her hands and feet blistered painfully. At the time, little was known about the condition. Her parents were advised to use 100% cotton socks, let her go barefoot when possible, and treat her skin with sea water and leather sandals. Her mum would carefully bandage her feet and apply Zambuk ointment to soothe the raw skin. Even walking to school was painful, let alone joining in with sports like netball or hockey – though Laverne always loved them.

Finding a diagnosis and DEBRA

Collage showing close-up images of feet and fingers with visible blisters, redness, and irritated skin on toes and fingers—common issues for international hockey players with EB.

At age 30, after years of managing her symptoms without a diagnosis, Laverne’s father noticed how bad and sore her heels were – blistered and bleeding – and encouraged her to return to the GP. She was referred to dermatology at Belfast City Hospital, where she finally learned about EB and discovered DEBRA UK.

Learning about the different types of EB – Simplex, Junctional, Dystrophic – was humbling. Laverne felt grateful that her form of EB was less severe than others, and thankful to DEBRA UK for the support, information and community they provided. She shared this knowledge with her sister, who also has EB.

Living actively with EB

Despite the pain and limitations caused by EB, Laverne has never let it define her. Over the years, she has become a qualified trampoline, aerobics, and hill-walking leader. She’s also a Vice-Principal and teaches French and Spanish to 30 pupils a day, and is extremely grateful to DEBRA for providing her with a Dyson fan to keep her classroom cool – essential for managing her symptoms during warm weather.

Living with EB on the hockey field

A woman in a blue sports uniform, part of her sport family, stands outdoors in front of a fence holding a field hockey stick and smiling at the camera, proud to represent EB.

In August 2025, at the age of 59, Laverne proudly represented the Alliance International Hockey Club in the Spirit of Masters Over 55s at the European Championships in Nottingham, competing in warm temperatures of 28 to 32 degrees. For someone living with EB, heat can make symptoms significantly worse – sweat, friction, and high temperatures can all trigger painful blistering and skin damage. Despite these challenges, Laverne competed against teams from France, Wales, England, and Australia, and her team secured a bronze medal after a close match against the Australian Southern Cross.

Playing hockey with EB isn’t easy. Astro shoes, gloves, and shin guards can tear her skin. But with “roll on, roll off” substitutions, she’s able to rest and manage her condition during matches.

Looking ahead

Turning 60 next year, she’s already setting her sights on the next age category – and is inspired by women playing internationally well into their 70s. She continues to manage her EB with the help of creams like Dermol 500 and other treatments provided with support from DEBRA UK.

While there’s still no cure, Laverne remains hopeful and active.

It is so important to share stories to help generate awareness of EB and raise the profile of this rare condition.

If you would like to share your EB story, please fill in this form and one of the team will be in touch.

Did you know you can become a DEBRA member for free? If you or someone you know lives with EB and isn’t a member, find out more about DEBRA membership and sign up here.