Bohemians women’s team has thrown its support behind a brave teenager living with a painful and incurable skin condition, as she continues to pursue her passion for football.
The club has joined forces with 14-year-old goalkeeper Sophia Dawson, who suffers from epidermolysis bullosa (EB), to back national charity Debra’s “Inside Out” campaign.
The initiative, taking place on October 22, asks the public to wear an item of clothing inside out to raise awareness and vital funds for families affected by the devastating condition.
Sophia, who plays for Donacarney Celtic FC in Meath, refuses to let EB stop her from doing what she loves. Her skin blisters and tears easily, particularly during contact sport, and the aftermath of training or dancing competitions often leaves her in such severe pain that she needs to be carried to bed.
“I have to constantly take breaks and painkillers,” Sophia explained during a recent visit to Dalymount Park.
“I want to play during summer with my friends, but it’s horrible, I have a burning feeling in my feet, eventually it stings and I have to avoid walking for the next few days.”
At the club she met one of her heroes, Bohemians’ captain and fellow goalkeeper Rachael Kelly, who praised the teenager’s courage and determination.
“Even when we’re playing on astro, we can feel a burning in our feet,” Kelly said. “But you are a credit to yourself and your family for not letting it stop you. It’s unbelievable what you’ve done, especially being a goalkeeper, because mentally you have to stay switched on while also thinking of yourself physically. You’re an inspiration to so many.”
Sophia is not alone in fronting the campaign. Amanda Nugent, a dual Gaelic football and soccer player, her son Ruaidhrí Dwyer Nugent, and Layanna-Maria Aston, all of whom live with EB, are also raising awareness.
Alejandra Livschitz of Debra explained the painful daily reality of EB, noting that even the seams of clothing can cause blisters due to the skin’s fragility – one of the reasons the campaign asks people to wear clothes inside out.
“Sophia is an extraordinary young person who doesn’t let EB stop her,” she said. “Her father Mark also lives with EB, and together with her mother Aisling and brother Alfie, the family endures the daily reality of planning, pain management, the emotional toll, and the constant balancing act between living fully and managing EB.”
Bohemians say they were moved by Sophia’s resilience and wanted to show their support.
“Something has happened which is completely outside of your control, but you don’t let it stop you playing football and doing the things that you love,” said the club’s Head of Community, Aibhínn Conway.
The Inside Out campaign will take place nationwide on October 22. For more details on how to get involved, visit debra.ie/insideout.