A teenager with a painful skin condition has inspired employees at a Swindon firm to raise money for a life changing charity.

Heather Skerry, 13, of Gorse Hill, has dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, known as EB, a skin condition that causes skin to blister upon contact.

Youngsters who suffer from this disease are known as butterfly children because their skin is so delicate.

Staff at Cellular Operations in Hillmead presented a £605 cheque to Heather and her mother, Wendy, for EB charity, Debra, following a dress down day.

They had intended to take part in Swindon's It's a Knockout contest at the balloon festival, but this was cancelled, leaving employees disappointed, but keen to help.

Organiser, Naveen Bhardwaj, said: "People were really happy to give to the charity and had raised quite a lot in sponsorship, then the event was cancelled.

"My wife works with Heather's mother and we still wanted to help the charity, so had a dress down day and had games on the day too."

Heather, who attends Headlands School, in Gorse Hill, said: "I think they're really good to raise this money for the charity, considering the original event didn't go ahead. It's really generous to do that for us.

"Debra has helped me so much with the way I live. They help me with everything and have made my life so much better."

The charity raises money to transform the lives of EB sufferers, funds research into the condition, employs specialist nurses and trains health care professionals in treating children with EB.

Mrs Skerry said: "Debra is such a worthy charity. It's quite small, but a very heart rendering cause.

"Heather is a very bright, sparky teenage girl and loves doing all the things normal kids do shopping, listening to music and seeing friends.

"Debra has really improved her life and allowed her to do much more."

Debra is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a week of nationwide events from June Saturday, June 21.

Factfile

Epidermolysis bullosa, EB, is a genetic skin condition which causes skin to blister from even gentle daily activities, even hugging.

A genetic defect means that the skin's layers do not adhere properly to each other.

Blistering may be restricted to certain areas, such as the hands or feet, or may affect the whole body.

In mild forms, blisters heal normally with no permanent damage to the skin, more severe cases result in scarring and reduced movement.

EB is currently incurable and has no effective treatment.

EB children are called butterfly children, because the delicate nature of their skin being as delicate as a butterfly's.

Debra's work is dedicated to the care and research to fine a cure for people with EB, by the provision of help and advice for families and health workers.

For information about Debra, contact 01344 771961, or see website www.debra.org.uk.