Gift is made Alice from a kindhearted stranger

By Pamela McGowan

Last updated 11:23, Thursday, 20 November 2008

A FUND to help Alice Tyson, a young Cumbrian with a rare skin condition, has received a welcome boost – from a complete stranger.

Generous: Alice Tyson from Moorhouse, who has the rare skin condition Xeroderma Pigmentosum, receives a cheque with her mother Tracey from Gill Brown of Blennerhasset who raised £358 after taking part in the Great North Run in October

Although Gill Brown had never met the four-year-old, she was so touched by her story she had to help.

Alice, of Moorhouse, suffers from Xeroderma Pigmentosum, which means her skin can’t protect itself from the sun and even slight exposure could cause cancer.

Since she was diagnosed early this year, her family have been raising money to buy specialist clothing and equipment to allow her to live as normal a life as possible.

Gill, 55, of Blennerhasset, decided to use her entry in this year’s Great North Run, back in October, to help Alice, raising £358 in sponsorship.

The Carlisle College lecturer then met the bubbly youngster when she turned up at her house with a giant cheque.

Mum Tracey said it was a lovely thing to do for someone she had never met.