Garden for girl who shuns the sun

Alice has to wear protective clothing to go outside

A little girl who has to shun the sun because of rare genetic disorder has been given new hope because of a generous donation from a charity.

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

If she goes outside the three-year-old must cover up and wear protection.

Now after her plight was highlighted a special garden has been built for her thanks to the charity Children's Aid.

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

Alice was only diagnosed with the condition three months ago at Cumberland Infirmary.

Her parents, Neil and Tracey, started a campaign to raise money for a special playroom and outdoor garden with a tunnel with lights so the youngster is no longer confined to the darkness of their sitting room.

They have been overwhelmed with offers of support and the garden has been built thanks to donations including £8,000 from the charity.

Mrs Tyson said: "Everyone is pulling together and helping to give Alice as normal a life as possible."

Businessman Nigel Tobias, spokesman for Children's Aid, said: "The garden allows her to go outside and not be cooped up in the house.

"It is a play area where Alice can go out at any time of the day and invite friends. The story of Alice touched a nerve with us and we just felt very sad for her - we didn't want her to be imprisoned at home."