A woman who cares for her daughter who suffers from a rare genetic condition which causes the skin to blister has been recognised at an awards ceremony.

Venitia Sorhaindo has been given an award in the Outstanding Women’s Awards Presentation.

The ceremony took place at Bradley Stoke Community School on the first International Women’s Day.

The Southern Brooks Community Partnership ran the competition in order to recognise the various ways that women in the area have made a difference to their community.

Venitia collected the Caring Achievement Award for her continued long-term care of her young daughter, Akeelah who has Epidermolysis Bullosa.

There are some 5,000 people living with this condition in the United Kingdom and 500,000 worldwide.

Venitia said: “It’s hard work looking after her and at times its heart-breaking. Akeelah has already had MRSA and had to spend a month in hospital where she stopped breathing a few times.

“That was really frightening. But she’s such a bright, happy child – I feel very proud of my daughter.”

Related links:

Southern Brooks Community Partnership