DAVID and Sunny Reid never thought their daughter Charlotte would play in the park, walk the dog or go to the zoo let alone go to school but thanks to the commitment of her family, friends, the community and The Department of Education their dreams are about to come true.
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Charlotte who is four years old is allergic to the sun, can not sweat and her skin clogs up from any sort of lotion or moisturiser, a condition so rare only 108 people suffer from it.
Mrs Reid nearly burst into tears when she saw her daughters play outside for the first time recently.
Thanks to some gruelling fundraising and government grants Charlotte is the proud owner of a scooter with tinted windows that allows her to be outside.
She calls it the Charlotte mobile.
“It was the best day of my life,” Mrs Reid said.
“My little girls all playing together outside.
“It’s changed our lives.”
The couple is looking forward to playing outside with all their girls, taking them to the zoo, the movies, shopping, walking the dog, the simple things people take for granted.
Mr and Mrs Reid never thought she would be able to go to school because seconds in the sun cause Charlotte’s skin to flare up in blisters but the Department of Education went above and beyond to ensure she would go to school.
In February hopefully Charlotte will be able to attend Bowen Public School.
The school already has tinted windows but needs air-conditioning and ramps for Charlotte’s scooter.
While the renovations might not happen in time for the first day of kindergarten the department has assured her it will happen.
When Charlotte first put on her uniform she didn’t take it off for three days.
She said she is excited to be going to big school with her sisters Emily and Sarah Wright.
“I’m going to make new friends,” Charlotte said.
Mrs Reid said Charlotte had never played with children her own age.
Charlotte’s eldest sister Emily said she was speechless to hear her baby sister would be coming to school with her.
“She’ll get to be normal and be able to play with her friends at break instead of being stuck inside,” she said.
The scooter had to undergo some adjustments to cater for Charlotte’s specific needs and the family is about $250 short for an air-conditioner to be put in.
There will be a fundraiser at the Occidental Hotel on January 18 from 8pm.
