SOUL lovers helped to raise more than £5,000 for children and adults with a genetic skin blistering condition.

Local soul dj group YKSoul held an all-day event at the York Moat House Hotel for DebRA, a charity which helps Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) sufferers.

The condition was recently highlighted in the Channel 4 documentary The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off.

York EB sufferer Amy Livesey, 21, collected the cheque, alongside Tony Eckersall, regional fundraising manager for DebRA.

Although Amy is badly affected by the condition, she often helps the charity raise awareness of the need to find a lasting, effective treatment.

Tony said that in its worst form, EB can kill a child within a few days or months of its life. In its mildest, painful blisters appear on the skin.

Some sufferers, like Amy, find their internal organs are affected.

Tony said: "Anyone who saw the Channel 4 documentary will know how severe this condition can be. I'd like to thank YKSoul and York Moat House Hotel for supporting us."

For information about EB, phone Tony on 07786 575512.

Updated: 10:55 Monday, October 03, 2005