A teenager whose body is covered in open wounds, due to the skin condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB), has signed up for her first VHI Women's Mini Marathon.

EB, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘butterfly skin' disease, is a genetic condition that causes the layers of the skin and internal body linings to blister and wound at the slightest touch. It is an extremely painful and distressing condition and around 300 people in Ireland are affected.

Claudia Scanlon (15) from Dublin has the severe form of the disease, which means that 80% of her body is covered in open wounds.

Every year since she was born, Claudia's mother, Liz Collins, has completed the mini-marathon to help raise awareness and funds for the EB charity, Debra Ireland. However, now that Claudia is old enough, she has decided to join her mother.

"It's a fantastic feeling of empowerment being out there with all those women. Since she was a baby, Claudia and her dad Gary have met me at the finish line, but this year will be even better as she will be actually taking part in this great event with me," Ms Collins explained.

Claudia is in a wheelchair and participating will be a tough physical challenge.

"Bumps on the road can cause problems, fatigue is an issue and being out in the heat when you are covered in bandages can be difficult, but we're also hoping it doesn't rain," Ms Collins noted.

However, friends of the pair will help to push Claudia's wheelchair to the finishing line.

"Ten good lifelong friends who know Claudia and know the struggle of living with EB will each take turns pushing her wheelchair for 1km," Ms Collins said.

Claudia and her mother are calling on other women to join them in doing the marathon on behalf of Debra Ireland.

"I have EB so it will be a challenge. But I will be doing it in my wheelchair with my amazing mam and her mates, who will take it in turns to get me through the full 10km.

"It would be so cool to have loads of DEBRA pals join me on the day and make it the biggest group we've ever had. Let's walk together and show the world there is a lot more to me than just EB," Claudia said.

Debra Ireland provides help and support to people with EB and their families. The charity also funds research programmes in an attempt to find better treatments and a possible cure for the condition.

Those who sign up to join Debra's team for the VHI Mini Marathon on June 2 are invited to a party afterwards and anyone who raises €100 will be entered into a draw for fantastic prizes.

To find out more, click here or call Lyndsey in Debra Ireland on (01) 412 6924.

The VHI Mini-Marathon takes place on June 2. For more information on the event, click here.

*Pictured is Claudia with her mother, Liz