By Ian Rosser
Education Reporter
MOST four-year-olds take for granted being able to hug their parents.
But for little Lucas Hamilton, even the slightest human contact can be painful.
The youngster, from Bramley in Leeds, was born with a rare genetic condition in which his skin blisters at the smallest knock.
But despite the daily difficulties caused by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), Lucas has remained determined not to miss a day at his nursery.
And now his school, Bramley Primary, have joined Leeds beauty Nell McAndrew in a bid to raise awareness about his condition and raise vital funds for EB charity Debra UK.
All 270 pupils joined staff in donning wacky headgear as part of the charity's Mad Hatter Day.
"I think it's brilliant that the whole school has joined in to support Lucas and Debra UK," said Nell, who is vice-president of the national charity. "For people who have EB, it must be one of the worst things imaginable, yet they are so brave and determined to get on with their lives.
"Children like Lucas are an inspiration to us all. With the fundraising, we are helping to finance research which we hope will one day find a cure."
Lucas, helped by his parents, spends about two hours each morning putting on bandages. Once in school, he has to have special equipment such as a gel-fiiled seat and soft pencil holders to take part in activities.
Talk
Teaching assistant Clare Harrington said an EB nurse from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London came to give a talk to the school so they all know about Lucas's condition.
"He's a great little boy and everyone in the school loves him," said Clare. "We thought it would be a great idea to take part in Mad Hatter Day, which has been really well supported by everyone here."
EB is a very rare condition in which the skin and internal body linings blister at the slightest knock or rub, causing painful, open wounds. At present, there is no effective treatment or cure for the inherited condition. People with the more severe types of EB have a very high risk of developing skin cancers.
It is estimated that there are currently 5,000 people with the condition in the UK.
One of the most famous sufferers was Jonny Kennedy, who featured in the documentary The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off, before his death from EB-related cancer in 2003. Jonny had become firm friends with Nell, and last week the mum-to-be handed over two of her own pieces of headwear to be auctioned on ebay for Debra.

• Visit debra.org.uk for more details.
ian.rosser@ypn.co.uk