CREWKERNE local Kaitlyn Carter, 20, is running the iconic London Marathon on Sunday October 3 to raise money for skin disease research.
She’s running in memory of her mum, Lisa Carter who sadly passed away in 2020 from a rare skin condition during the height of the pandemic.
"I will be taking part in the London Marathon to try and raise as much money as possible for skin disease research, in memory of my mum," Kaitlyn said.
Lisa Carter, was only 51 when she died of complications relating to a condition called folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, a rare type of T-cell lymphoma.
"For as long as I can remember mum suffered with skin problems until in 2018, she started to see dermatologists who initially believed her condition was likely either eczema or psoriasis.
"Over the next two years my mum was subjected to many medical appointments and skin biopsies as dermatologists tried treatments ranging from creams, phototherapy to both oral and topical steroids to try and manage her skin."
Eventually Lisa was referred to St. John’s Institute of Dermatology at Guy’s Hospital in London, where she was diagnosed with folliculotropic mycosis fungoides.
She began radiotherapy in the spring of 2020 and whilst there were moments of hope she faced many challenges and came up against repeated infections.
As the condition worsened Kaitlyn took time out from university to learn how to dress her mum's skin just so she could go home, and this gave Lisa one more evening with her family at her home in Somerset.
"My brothers visited and we all sat with her as a family, it was very emotional but amazing to have her home," Kaitlyn said.
"Although she was in a lot of pain, she was very good at hiding just how uncomfortable she was, continuing to look as glamorous as ever."
Sadly, the next day things took a turn for the worst and Lisa was rushed back to Guy’s Hospital in London, the only place equipped to give her the care she needed.
A few days later she passed, sadly her skin was experiencing such a severe breakdown that infections were inevitable and if she had beaten this one, there would have been another a week later.
Kaitlyn is running the London marathon to honour her mum by fundraising for skin disease research but she also hopes the story will increase awareness to others.
"If her story can stop one other person from experiencing what she did then she would be behind that all the way."
Her condition is one that can occur at any age but is most frequently diagnosed after the age of 50 years.
It often mimics other conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and therefore diagnosis can sometimes be delayed.
To help sponsor Kaitlyn on her run, please visit: britishskinfoundation.org.uk/fundraisers/london-marathon-2021
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