A mother whose family suffers from a rare genetic condition leaving their skin covered in blisters has completed the Great North Run to raise money for research and support into the illness.

Tricia Partlett with Charlie and Libby

Tricia Partlett was born with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which causes the skin to blister at the slightest touch.

The condition was highlighted nationally in a Channel 4 documentary called The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off, about 36-year-old Jonny Kennedy who died of a severe form of the disorder.

Mrs Partlett, 34, her father Robin Saunders, 60, sister Nicky Saunders, 32, and children Charlie, four and Libby, three, all have a mild form of the condition, along with uncles and cousins.

She took part in the 13-mile run, from Newcastle to South Shields, yesterday, to raise money for DebRA, a charity which funds research and health specialists to look after people who often need advice and care.

Her efforts have raised £350, which is enough to pay an EB health care specialist for three days.

Mrs Partlett, who lives above her family's shop, Evenlode DIY in High Street, Eynsham, said: "I don't need any care at all, but it can be really bad and some children need bandages covering their blisters changed two or three times a day.

"I do get blisters, but it's never stopped me from doing anything. Both my children have scarred knees and elbows and Charlie has lost two toenails because of EB. The health specialists are great and I used them a lot when I had Charlie," she said.

Mrs Partlett trained for the Great North Run with friends and Eynsham Road Runners, and completed the course in two hours, 52 minutes and 38 seconds.

After the race she said: "It was absolutely fantastic. And I came all the way up here and met someone from just outside Didcot and we finished the race together."

Anyone who would like to boost her fundraising can make a donation at Evenlode DIY or email her at tricia_partlett@yahoo.co.uk