A 10-year-old boy who suffers from a undiagnosed condition which spreads dozens of ulcers throughout his body has united an Angus town in good will.
Aaron Brown, of Kirriemuir, lives with an illness similar to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome a rare life-threatening condition spreading painful blisters through the body, which can cause skin to die and shed.
During a lengthy spell in hospital in December 2013 Aaron was inspired to help Ninewells Hospital’s Fairy Box charity, which collects toys for sick children.
The youngster’s bravery and hard work inspired residents of Kirriemuir to back his campaign and donate toys.
He explained: “I was in hospital for two weeks and enjoyed playing with the toys that Fairy Box gave to me.
“I wanted to help the kids who are still in hospital. I felt like I wanted to donate some toys and I’m happy other children will be able to play with them.”
Aaron’s decision to donate to the charity came after a traumatic two-week stay in hospital, which his mum, Audrey Middleton, insists he was lucky to survive.
Audrey, who has two other children, including eight-year-old Millie, who also helped with donations, revealed: “Aaron was admitted to hospital in December 2013 and was taken into HDU.
“He was released on December 23 and was lucky to make it.
“He suffers from a recurring illness. It’s hard to put down what it is, but he’s been like this since he was three.
“He will have 50 to 60 mouth ulcers at a time and they spread through his body before bursting out of his skin. It’s a very traumatic condition.
“Fairy Box give a toy to every child, including siblings of children in hospital too.
“It’s a cause which is very close to parent’s hearts. Seeing a wee smile on a child’s face can be a huge comfort.
“Aaron was unconscious a lot when he was in hospital, so we’d pick something for him and just to see a wee smile, a glint, was huge.
“An hour a day can be the only quality time a family with a child in hospital can have.
“I have three children myself, so it can be hard to juggle things at times.
“You never known when your children could be admitted to hospital.”
Rosie Butler, from Fairy Box, said: “It’s always lovely when children help other children.
“It’s a great help to us when children who have experienced a gift want to pass on gifts to other children.
“These children understand what it’s like to be stuck in hospital and feel low.
“This is a very lovely thing to do.
“The Fairy Box collection at Ninewells has had quite a lot of donations recently. There are a whole range of toys that can be given.”