A clinical trial at Sheffield Children’s has transformed 10-year-old Hollie’s life, giving her “her childhood back” after years of painful eczema.
Before taking part in research, Hollie found herself repeatedly in hospital with recurrent skin infections. Now, her life has changed for the better.
Dad Liam and mum Beckii have taken the chance on International Clinical Trials Day to share their incredible experience.
Hollie was diagnosed with eczema when she was a toddler, when what at first appeared to be dry skin gradually got worse and worse.
“It has been absolutely horrendous at times,” said Hollie’s mum Beckii. “She couldn’t wear dresses or T-shirts as she needed to keep her skin covered because it was so sore. In the winter her skin would crack so much that walking was difficult – she was in agony.
“As well as the pain, it affected her confidence, as the eczema on her face made her self-conscious. Sometimes other children would be mean about the way she looked. It was heartbreaking for us to watch her struggling. She’s such a positive and happy girl, but it did get her down – how could it not?”
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and itching. It affects people of all ages and can be long-lasting or intermittent. For some people, including Hollie, it can be severe, affecting and restricting many aspects of day to day life.
After being unable to get her skin under control, Hollie was referred to specialist dermatologists at Sheffield Children’s. Hollie’s skin was often so bad that she suffered with multiple skin infections, which needed antibiotics. It would clear up, and in a matter of weeks later, she would have another infection.
“It was relentless,” said Hollie’s dad Liam. “At one point, she ended up in hospital for 10 days with septicaemia. She was so poorly that we thought we might lose her. It was after that that we found out about a clinical trial for a new drug that could help her skin.
“We had spent years trying different moisturisers and steroid creams, bandage wrapping and wearing gloves to try and protect her skin so it could heal. But they would work for a while, and then get less effective.”
A life changing clinical trial
After years of conventional treatments had offered only partial relief for Hollie, they were told about a clinical research trial for a new drug by Hollie’s dermatology consultant, Professor Mike Cork. The trial involved fortnightly injections of a new drug, initially given at the hospital but then given by the family at home.
“The trial has changed our lives,” said Liam. “Hollie’s skin is so much better. She’s able to do all the things any 10-year-old should be doing. It’s given Hollie her childhood back.
“Professor Cork and his team at the Clinical Research Facility have worked amazingly with Hollie in every way over the last three years. We are so blessed this trial was available to us. She is a brand new girl who always has a smile on her face and is back to taking part in all the activities that she loves – that is thanks to this amazing team.
“We’ll also always remember research nurse Alison, who was Hollie’s very first nurse on the trial. Hollie built such a special bond with her as she supported her with the blood tests and injections. Sadly, Alison passed away a few years ago, but Hollie still talks about her often and remembers her very fondly.”
Why research matters
For 150 years, Sheffield Children’s has been driving advances in treatment, technology and care through research, Hollie’s story is a powerful reminder of why research matters. Combining compassionate care with pioneering science, Sheffield Children’s is constantly innovating to give children access to life-changing treatments and create healthier futures,
Clinical trials are a vital piece in the puzzle of creating new treatments and therapies. They allow researchers to test new medicines or explore the use of existing medicines in different ways.
Professor Mike Cork, Consultant Dermatologist at Sheffield Children’s said: “At Sheffield Children’s research is embedded in everything we do.
“We are incredibly proud that through research at Sheffield Children’s we can offer hope, access to pioneering treatments, and the chance for children like Hollie to simply enjoy being children again.”
There are currently hundreds of research studies active at Sheffield Children’s dedicated Clinical Research Facility (CRF) as part of our commitment to creating a healthier future for children and young people.
We are also home to the only National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) in the UK that is dedicated to the delivery of commercial clinical trials treating children and young people.
To find out more about research, visit www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/research