A mother who lost her baby at just two months of age is raising awareness of national EB charity Debra this Christmas.
Miriam and John Ryle welcomed their beautiful baby daughter Katie into the world back in 2004. Nurses quickly noticed after her birth that Katie was missing skin from five of her fingers.
She was promptly taken to the Rotunda Hospital's intensive care unit, while her family helplessly watched on. Katie was soon diagnosed with EB, a painful skin condition which has no cure.
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Due to the severity of Katie's illness, her parents were initially unable to hold or feed her. They later held her christening in her final few days.
The doting mother said of Katie's passing: "The nurse placed her in my arms and I held her close, I didn’t have to worry about hurting her anymore. She passed away in my arms a few minutes later. John and I spent the next few hours with her, cherishing the last time we would see or touch our sweet baby girl.”
Miriam is speaking out about the impact of her young daughter's death for the first time. She said the Debra community acted as a pillar of support for her and her family while they grieved.
Miriam added: "I’ve met other families who share the hardships of EB and these are the only people that truly understand what I've gone through. They heal wounded hearts.”
The charity are appealing for vital funds ahead of Christmas this year. Both once off and monthly donations to the group are encouraged.
You can help support their advocacy through Debra's website.
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