Brave Claudia gears up for marathon bid
A DUBLIN teenager with butterfly skin, a condition that causes the skin layers and internal body linings to blister and wound at the slightest touch, is undertaking a gruelling mini marathon.
Claudia Scanlon, 16, from Terenure, Dublin has a severe form of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), also known as butterfly skin, with 80% of her body covered in open wounds.
Despite her condition, she is now aiming to complete this year’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in her wheelchair, to raise funds for EB charity Debra Ireland. RTÉ presenter Miriam O’Callaghan is supporting her efforts, and has urged women from across Ireland to join in the 10k challenge.
Claudia is hoping to raise €10,000 for Debra Ireland when she attempts to go the distance on October 10.
The popular event is going virtual this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, with
‘Her motto is adapt and overcome’
participants choosing their own routes across the country.
Claudia is bandaged almost from head-to-toe to protect her from everyday life and is fed through a tube in her stomach.
She is subject to frequent infections and has a greater than average risk of getting skin cancer.
Last year, the teenager and her mother Liz Collins completed the Women’s Mini Marathon, with friends helping to push Claudia’s wheelchair.
This year she is going to attempt it unaided in her electric chair – a painful prospect due to the ongoing deterioration of her hands.
‘Claudia’s hands have fused greatly over the last couple of years which is horrendous for her,’ said her mother.
‘She is a fantastic artist and make-up artist, and using her hands is at the heart of many of her passions. However, Claudia’s motto is “adapt and overcome” and she never wallows in bad news.’
Ms O’Callaghan said teenager was an inspiration.
‘I have known Claudia and her mum Liz for some time and I’m absolutely delighted to support them as they embark on this the incredible and important challenge,’ said the Prime Time host.
‘They are both just amazing and I hope women all over the country will be as inspired as I am to join in Claudia’s 10k Challenge to raise vital funds for Debra Ireland.’
Ms Collins said this year represented her daughter’s only chance to complete the event unaided, as electric wheelchairs are ordinarily not permitted on the course.
‘I have done the mini marathon from the year that she was born, and always felt I was doing something special for her by completing it,’ she said.
‘Last year, she was old enough to come with us, and it was incredible for Claudia and our friends.
‘Being a parent of a child with a disability is quite a lonely place to be, but on that one day a year people are willing for things to happen,’ said Ms Collins.
‘The mini marathon is a very empowering day that celebrates the strength of women.’
Visit bit.ly/2020MiniMarathon for more information.