Twelve-year-old Croydon boy Fazeel Irfan was honoured by a national charity earlier this month.

Fazeel suffers from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and was charity Debra's special guest at the official opening of its first store in Croydon

EB is a potentially fatal genetic skin condition that causes constant pain due to unstoppable internal and external blistering.

Debra funds specialist healthcare, researches and provides help, advice, and support for people in the UK living with the condition.

Fazeel who wants to be a doctor when he grows up was accompanied by family and friends as he cut the ribbon.

“I am happy that Debra asked me to cut the ribbon and open the new shop, it was fun," he said.

"It was nice to see so many people buying things.

"The money will help Debra to look after people like me who are suffering from EB and it will help to find a cure.

"The worst thing about living with EB is the pain, I’m in pain every day and I must take painkillers and wear bandages to protect my skin.

"I don’t let EB stop me playing games with my brothers and my sister and seeing my friends. If Debra doesn’t find a cure for EB before I grow up, I’m going to become a doctor to help find a cure.”