Latest news with #Debra
Dublin Live
a day ago
- Health
- Dublin Live
Talented Meath teen with rare skin condition designs unique bag to fundraise for charity
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A talented Meath teenager has designed a unique tote bag to raise funds for a national charity. Sophia Dawson, who was diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), has launched the limited-edition bag for Debra, the national charity supporting those living with EB, their families, and carers. EB is a rare and currently incurable genetic skin condition often referred to as "butterfly skin". 14-year-old Sophia's special design features a butterfly as the symbol often associated with the fragility of skin affected by EB, reflecting both the reality of her daily experience and her determination to raise awareness and grow support for others with the condition. She said: "I wanted to create something that would help people understand EB and what it's like to live with it every day. Designing the tote bag was a way for me to turn something painful into positive action. I hope people will carry it with pride and help spread the word." Despite living with constant blistering and pain, particularly on her feet, Sophia plays as a goalkeeper for her local football team in Donacarney, where fellow players and coaches have rallied around her with unwavering support. (Image: Naoise Culhane Photography) Sophia's special tote bags will be available to buy in MACE stores in Dublin and across Ireland, with proceeds going to Debra. Sophia's mother, Aisling, added: 'Thank you to Debra, and all the MACE retailers for their support in helping Sophia share her design and experience. We hope it can lead to greater recognition of EB and more consistent state support for families that are impacted.' Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage .
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Louth retailer raises €4,000 across stores for Debra charity
The money was raised collectively from Abker's 10 MACE stores over the past few months through various fundraising events. Debra is dedicated to transforming the lives of people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), caring for someone with EB, or bereaved by EB, through care, research and advocacy. EB is an incurable and painful genetic skin condition, also known as 'Butterfly Skin', as the skin of people with EB breaks and tears at the slightest touch. Debra acts as a positive force for all those living with EB and all those whose lives have been impacted by EB by listening and providing support. Abker, and his staff, used the opportunity of the 10-year anniversary event at his MACE store in Wheaton Hall Drogheda to hand over the cheque to the head of philanthropy at Debra, Louise Delahunty. Abker said: 'We had a wonderful event to celebrate our 10 years in MACE Wheaton Hall and it was the perfect opportunity to invite Debra to receive the funds raised for the wonderful work they so for people with EB. I want to thank all the team for their tireless work in raising these funds.' MACE Ireland first partnered with Debra last year in April of 2024 and to date have raised over €80,000 in the first year of the partnership. Funds have been raised through the sale of MACE own brand products, instore collection units and various MACE store fundraising events such as ice cream and coffee days for Debra. MACE makes a 10c donation to Debra for every 500ml, 2L, and 5L water bottle purchased, and a 1c donation for selected MACE own brand products.
The Sun
7 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Brave lad, 8, who suffers with underdeveloped arm tries out new prosthetic arm made with Lego design & real blocks
ARM AND A LEGO Tobi's prosthetic arm features pictures of Lego blocks and two real ones he can stick other pieces to Published: 23:20, A YOUNG lad tries out his new prosthetic arm — made with a Lego design and some real blocks. Tobi, eight, had the limb created specially for him at the Portsmouth Enablement Centre. 3 3 He has been a visitor to the unit since he was just six months old to help with his underdeveloped arm. The team works with patients to personalise designs using lamination techniques. Tobi's features pictures of Lego blocks and two real ones he can stick other pieces to. Mum Debra said: 'The care he receives is phenomenal. "They really listen to what Tobi wants and do everything they can to make it happen. "His new Lego-themed arm has been amazing - not only is it helping with everyday tasks, but he loves showing it off. "Most importantly, the team always makes sure Tobi feels included every step of the way. "We couldn't ask for better care, and we're so thankful for everything they do." Lucy Riddle, Prosthetics Clinical Manager at PEC, added: "Every device we make is bespoke. "We work closely with each individual to ensure not only a comfortable fit, but also a design that reflects their personality. Astonishing footage shows world's first prosthetic hand controlled by magnets help amputee move 'simply by thinking' "Both are equally important to a person's confidence and wellbeing. "Our technicians enjoy being creative, whether it's crafting limbs with superhero designs or incorporating family photos, and the biggest reward is seeing the difference it makes to someone's life." 3
BBC News
03-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Boy has prosthetic arm made with Lego
You can build a lot of different things with Lego, but how about an arm?!Well, eight-year-old Tobi from Portsmouth has had a special prosthetic arm made which has Lego built into it, that he can build on and are models of arms and legs that can help people who don't have limbs, or were born with limb differences, to do certain Mum Debra said: "His new Lego-themed arm has been amazing - not only is it helping with everyday tasks, but he loves showing it off." Tobi's new Lego-inspired arm was made by a specialist team at The Portsmouth Enablement Centre (PEC), which works with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS work with patients to design personalised prosthetic limbs, which they say they want to be comfortable to wear but also and show off the personality of the person using them - for example their favourite football team or family pet. PEC prosthetics clinical manager Lucy Riddle said: "Our technicians enjoy being creative, whether it's crafting limbs with superhero designs or incorporating family photos."The biggest reward is seeing the difference it makes to someone's life."
BBC News
03-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Portsmouth boy, 8, gets bespoke Lego prosthetic arm
An eight-year-old boy who loves Lego has had a bespoke prosthetic arm made for him containing two pieces of Portsmouth Enablement Centre (PEC) made the limb for Tobi, who was born with a limb mum, Debra, said her son loved showing off his new prosthetic, and said the care he had received from the PEC was "phenomenal".PEC prosthetics clinical manager Lucy Riddle said prosthetics needed to be comfortable as well as reflect the personality of the user. "Both are equally important to a person's confidence and wellbeing," she said."Our technicians enjoy being creative, whether it's crafting limbs with superhero designs or incorporating family photos, and the biggest reward is seeing the difference it makes to someone's life." The specialist team, run by Steeper Group in partnership with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU), works with patients to create personalised prosthetic limbs, using anything from a favourite football team to a family said the team went "above and beyond" for her son's prosthesis."They really listen to what Tobi wants and do everything they can to make it happen," she said."His new Lego-themed arm has been amazing - not only is it helping with everyday tasks, but he loves showing it off."She said the team made Tobi feel included "every step of the way". You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
