DEBRA UK launches national 100km August challenge.

The #FightEB 100km challenge has launched for the month of August. DEBRA UK is calling on everyone everywhere to run, walk, cycle, jog or wheel the distance of 100km throughout this month to help raise vital awareness of EB and crucial funding to support the 5000 people living with this long term health condition which currently has no cure.

Over two thirds of DEBRA UK's income is generated from the 121 DEBRA shops located throughout the UK which had to close in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but have recently started to re-open. Every £115 raised from this challenge could pay for Community Support services for an individual or family with EB for 6 months.

Claire Mather, DEBRA interim CEO comments:

Having EB in its mildest form causes lifelong disability and pain. Many of us are currently enjoying the sunshine and warm weather but for the EB community this means the opposite as the heat aggravates skin and causes huge discomfort, blistering and itch. The work DEBRA does is vital in providing the EB community with the support and medical assistance they need. I am calling on everyone to get involved, and help us to raise awareness of EB. If we all did a few steps a day we could make an incredible difference to so many people. The response to the challenge so far has been outstanding, so thank you to everyone involved so far. Together we can #FightEB.

Hannah West, 100km challenge participant comments:

EB has a huge impact on my family. My eldest daughter Charlotte (pictured above with Hannah) has the condition and not a day goes by when she doesn't have a new injury to her skin which is really debilitating. The support DEBRA offers our family is outstanding. Through DEBRA Charlotte has met other children with the EB and has made some firm friends who understand what she is experiencing day to day. We are really excited to participate as a family in the #fightEB 100km challenge although we are all so busy we have not had much practice. It’s wonderful to be able to show our appreciation to DEBRA and to raise awareness of this awful disease.

Individuals can choose to take on this sporting task alone or with friends and family to collectively reach their set goal. The charity has been inundated with signatures from enthusiastic members of the public from Edinburgh to Penzance.

To find out more about DEBRA and the impact donations make, please take a look on our support pages and our research strategy.