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Brave boy’s Christmas fun a u o y h s i w e W at party with the Duchess s a m t s i r y Ch
Merr
By Samantha McGregor
CHRISTMAS is a magical time of year, but for one little boy an invitation to a royal palace gave his festive season some extra sparkle. Anthony Brine, who has a lifelimiting delicate skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa, was one of five children given a special invitation to help decorate a Christmas tree at Clarence House, followed by tea with Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Each year the Duchess, a patron of Helen & Douglas House, invites youngsters supported by the hospice to the palace for a Christmas treat. This year the five-year-old, who lives in Bicester and has been a regular at Oxford’s Helen House since 2014, was top of the guest list. Epidermolysis Bullosa is a rare genetic skin disorder and means any knock or friction to the skin can cause painful blisters, which can become infected. Little Anthony visited the palace with his mother Daniela, 29, and carer Lynn Metayer. When they arrived at the London palace, Anthony helped decorate the Christmas tree and was then served sausage and mash by the Duchess. During the visit Camilla admired Anthony’s festive jumper and Santa socks and asked him what he wanted
from Father Christmas. Mum Daniela said his condition was discovered at birth when the midwives rubbed his little hands and feet and his skin came away. She said: “He is such a brave little boy and copes with his condition so bravely. “He knows what he can and can’t do.” Of the palace, she said: “It is just so amazing to be here. What a wonderful thing to invite us to. It really feels like a friend has asked us into their home. “We had an amazing day at Clarence House, a once in a lifetime opportunity. We would like to say thank you to the Duchess for opening up her home to us all. “The Duchess is a very lovely lady. Anthony loved every minute of the day and had a lovely conversation with the Duchess.” Anthony said: “I liked the smiley face sausage and mash and the Christmas tree was really big. I put a bird ornament on with the help of the Duchess. Thank you for my corgi, I love him.” Clare Periton, chief executive of Helen & Douglas House, said: “For many families, Christmas is a time for spending special moments together and creating memories that will last a lifetime. “Having a terminally ill child or young adult means that you look for the magic in any moment they have
Anthony Brine enjoyed his day at Clarence House where he helped decorate the tree with the Duchess of Cornwall and tucked into sausages and mash Picture: PA
together, especially at Christmas. day for our families creating some fi lm called Every little life leaves Keith Donaghy is happy to help and give advice regarding any “Again this year we are so grateful very precious times that I am sure happy memories, where youngsters to HRH The Duchess of Cornwall will be treasured forever.” hearing problems that you may have.were invited to paint their happiest for inviting our families to Clarence ■ Anthony also features in the memories of the hospice.
n o s a e S e h t Sounds of
Don’t miss the .... The Oxfordshire Guardian has more printed copies than any other newspaper in the county House. It is such a wonderful, special
Helen & Douglas Christmas Appeal
For more details go to hdh.org.uk
14 Langdale Gate, Witney OX2 6EY • 3 White Lion Walk, Banbury OX16 5UD www.soundhearing.co.uk • Tel. 01993 709955 • email: kdhearingcare@gmail.com