Girl forced to hide from the sun

Alice has to wear protective clothing to go outside

A three-year-old girl has to stay indoors during the day because of a rare genetic condition which could give her skin cancer.

Alice Tyson, of Carlisle, has Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) which means exposure to sunlight increases her risk of getting the disease or going blind.

If she goes outside, even for a few seconds she must be covered up and wear a hat to protect her face from UV rays.

The incurable condition affects between 150 and 200 people in the UK.

Alice was only diagnosed with the condition six weeks ago at Cumberland Infirmary.

Life span

Her parents, Neil and Tracey are still coming to terms with the news, but are determined to give Alice the best possible childhood.

They have started a campaign to raise money for a special playroom and outdoor tunnel so the youngster is no longer confined to the darkness of their sitting room.

They are waiting for special filters to be fitted to the windows at home and at Kirkbampton School.

Mrs Tyson said: "I asked the doctor how long a life span she would have and he said it was down to how long we could protect her."

Dr Firas Al-Niaimi, a dermatologist at Cumberland Infirmary, said: "If young patients don't get vigorous sun protection they can get skin cancer - it is a very serious condition."