Reagan (9) from Northampton developed severe eczema and allergies when he was just a few months old.
The condition would make his skin flare up, cause intense itching and make sleeping almost impossible. Reagan must wear gloves – even in the middle of summer – as without them he can’t help but scratch his hands until they bleed.
He is allergic to grass and his skin reacts to sweat – but despite this the brave primary pupil is giving back to a charity that helped him.
He will take on a 5 mile challenge for Eczema Outreach Support as part of their Move 5 fundraising campaign from October 1-10.
It is the third time Reagan has raised money for Eczema Outreach Support, a charity for children and young people with eczema and their carers.
Mum Kellyanne said: “Reagan struggles a lot with his skin, he has regular flare ups when his skin gets very inflamed and itchy and he can’t help but scratch until he bleeds.
“He is a really sporty boy and loves football and playing outside but his allergies mean this causes his eczema to flare up and can take days to heal.
“He is really determined and just gets on with it but it is hard to see him suffer. You just feel helpless to see your child in pain and not be able to stop it.”
The schoolboy’s hands are extra sensitive and flare up, causing intense pain and itching if the skin touches things like grass, cleaning products and sweat, so he must wear special cotton gloves all the time, even on hot days. At bed time he either wears gloves, or has his hands wrapped in special bandages soaked in eczema medication.
But the football-daft youngster doesn’t let it get to him and wears his gloves without moaning.
Reagan will walk 5 miles for Eczema Outreach Support from October 1-10 and hopes to raise more than ever.
Reagan said: “I know how hard it is to have eczema so I am doing Move 5 so I can help the charity help more kids with eczema.”
Reagan comes along to the charity’s monthly online meet ups so he can talk to other kids with severe eczema.
EOS also hosts in-person meet ups around the UK and offers webinars with dermatologists and health care professionals. The charity also delivers online workshops in members’ schools to educate classmates on what eczema is and how they can support a friend with eczema.
CEO of Eczema Outreach Support, Suzi Holland, said the charity was very grateful for Reagan and the other families taking part in Move 5.
“A huge thank you to Reagan for putting in the effort and taking part in Move 5, even though exercise can flare his skin – what an amazing thing to do.
“We are so grateful for our members and supporters that fundraise for EOS.
“Funding is becoming increasingly difficult to secure and we rely on our amazing fundraisers more and more so we can continue to help over 4000 families across the UK.”
You can sponsor Reagan here.
For more information on Eczema Outreach Support and to join for free, visit here.