A nine-year-old who suffers from a rare skin condition visited Downing Street for a special reception hosted by Samantha Cameron last week.

Sohana Collins, from Bansbury, has had the life-threatening genetic disorder Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) since birth and it causes her skin and internal body linings to blister at the slightest knock or rub, causing excruciating open wounds.

She was invited to the event at the Prime Minister’s home which was held for the charity DebRA, which supports the sufferers and families affected by conditions such as RDEB.

Sohana was accompanied by mum Sharmila Nikapota and met Mrs Cameron and other supporters of the charity, as well as brushing shoulders with celebrities including actor Sean Bean and director Phyllida Lloyd.

Ms Nikapota, who fundraises for research into Sohana’s condition under the umbrella of DebRA, said: “Samantha was absolutely welcoming. She was very concerned and was really pleased to be able to host the reception for the charity. It was a great evening.”

To donate to Sohana’s research fund, which has raised more than �1 million so far, visit www.justgiving.com/sohanaresearchfund