Kidderminster girl joins national Christmas campaign to support children living with eczema
A young girl from Kidderminster is the local voice of a national Christmas campaign launched this week by Eczema Outreach Support (EOS), a charity helping children and young people living with eczema across the UK.
9-year-old Lily, who gives her voice to the charity’s Christmas video hopes her involvement will help others feel less alone.
"I took part because I wanted people to know that they're not the only ones with eczema." – Lily
Lily is one of six children from all across the UK whose voices feature in The Itch Before Christmas - a reimagined, six-verse version of The Night Before Christmas telling the story of a child with eczema who wants to speak to Santa about a very important wish.
Featuring a bespoke illustration from children’s illustrator Clare Elsom, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the often unseen emotional impact of eczema including isolation, anxiety, and the feeling of being “different” from peers, as well as to raise funds for EOS’s support programmes, including their online friendship group for children, the High 5 Club.
Lily’s mum, Rachel, says the opportunity meant a great deal to her daughter: "Lily feels like she is part of the EOS team, so she was so proud to be asked to take part in the campaign and help spread awareness of the charity and all that they do." – Rachel
For Lily, EOS has become a place of friendship and support: "EOS is important to me because I've been able to get to know the children on the High 5 Club video calls and they've become my friends." – Lily
Rachel says the charity has also made a real difference to their family:
"EOS is a great support to families and has been a lovely way for Lily to meet other children, both in person and virtually, who know what she is going through. She really enjoys the monthly calls, as they are fun but supportive too." – Rachel
Suzi Holland, CEO of Eczema Outreach Support, says Lily’s involvement reflects the heart of the campaign: “Lily’s courage and kindness remind us why our work matters. Eczema can leave children feeling isolated at a time when they should feel carefree and included. By sharing her story, Lily is helping us shine a light on the emotional impact of eczema and on the life-changing difference friendship and community can make.” – Suzi Holland, CEO, Eczema Outreach Support
Eczema affects around 1 in 5 children, and for many it can physical symptoms such as cause itching, pain, infections and bleeding, but also has a significant emotional and social impact. EOS provides practical help, emotional support, family events, school workshops and peer sessions, all free of charge.
The Christmas campaign encourages the public to donate and help EOS continue providing a lifeline to families like Lily’s.
The campaign video and donation link are available at: eos.org.uk/christmas-2025/
