20-year-old Paul Braithwaite dubbed the world’s most allergic boy is dead.
Paul Braithwaite was just a baby when doctors first diagnosed him with a rare and debilitating form of eosinophilic gastroenteropathy.
Tributes have been pouring in for Paul Braithwaite, who was just a baby when doctors first diagnosed him with a rare and debilitating form of eosinophilic gastroenteropathy.
At the time, he was the only Briton known to suffer from the condition and the first recorded case since 1906.
The exhausting condition saw him vomit and develop a skin rash after contact with sunlight, grass, dust, dust, and animals. He was also allergic to dozens of foods. But Paul’s bravery won him a legion of fans, including former England boss Fabio Capello, snooker stars John Parrott and Jimmy White.
He also touched ‘This Morning host’, Eamonn Holmes, who paid to cover his backyard with astro turf so he could play footie.
Paul’s heartbroken mother, Kelly, spoke of her immense pride after losing his last battle with cancer.
“He had every allergy there was, his skin was raw red and he suffered almost daily. His growth was stunted by the medication he was taking. At 20, he was still wearing clothes for 10- to 11-year-olds. He had a range of very complex needs and had battles at every turn. He’d been in air ambulances, rhesus, and intensive care, but nothing confused him. He faced it all with the greatest attitude and joked about everything. Whatever was thrown at him, he just kept going”.
Kelly
In 2008, after reading about his plight in The Sun, then-English boss Capello sent him a personal note with a signed Three Lions shirt urging him to “stay strong”.
He wrote: “You are a very brave boy. Your family should be very proud“.
However, Kelly, in her tribute noted that in recent years, Paul’s health has only deteriorated. According to her, he just wanted to live a normal life – he wanted to have a dog, he wanted to learn how to drive and he wanted to go for a walk.
“All the things most people take for granted. He wanted to eat different foods but couldn’t. In the end, he just hid and I hated that. He was ashamed of the way he looked and how small he was. But the courage and guts that that boy had was unparalleled. He kept me going more than he ever realized. He was just so brave. He didn’t ask to be born that way – and I did everything I could for him”.
Kelly
His father Darren, 52, said: “He loved Manchester United and we went to a game together as part of the Make a Wish charity. He was in his own little world. He was very lonely, but that way he was happy. Life is just too short. All he ever wanted was to be normal“.
Meanwhile, Paul’s funeral will take place on July 18, 2022, according to his parents.
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