Two-year-old Eddison Miller has to keep every inch of his skin covered due to his allergy to the sun

by Samantha Williams

sawilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

A family are hoping to start work on an indoor garden for their two-year-old son – who is allergic to the sun – before the hot summer months arrive.

Through various fundraisers, the Miller family have already secured £19,000 for an extension at their Kingsnorth home, which will house an indoor play area and garden for toddler Eddison, who suffers from the rare and incurable condition xeroderma pigmentosum (XP).

A total of £244 was raised from a Rag Bag scheme and nearly £1,000 was raised at a Night Hike last November.

Mum Nicola said: “The Teddington Night Hike was a wonderful event and it was such a fun night that we are thinking about doing a bigger and better one next year.”

However, with the sunny summer months fast approaching the family are now launching Operation Ready for Teddy in a final push to meet their £29,000 target for the indoor play area.

The Miller family - Dad Andrew,mum Nicola and Eddison - look out to where the garden will be built

Nicola said: “To date we have secured £19,000 towards the build and need approximately another £10,000 to see the base build and fit-out completed.

“With the prospect of the forthcoming summer and with Eddison faced with being fully confined within our house, time is of the essence.

"We have a local builder who is going to co-ordinate the build for us and we really hope to be in a position that we can start work by early April so that we can get the indoor garden in place in time for the most difficult hot summer months.”

The family are appealing for any tradesmen, suppliers or craftsmen who can help to get in touch.

“We would love for any local builders who might be able to offer their services by donating a few hours or a day of their time, or who can help with supply of any materials to come forward,” Nicola added.

“We have relied heavily on the efforts of our ever-growing and dedicated army of Team Teddington fundraisers and supporters, and we are so grateful for all the help we’ve had so far.”