The National Eczema Society's magazine came through the door yesteday, as I am a member. I always read it with great interest. It includes families' stories (which are unbelievably similar to mine), strategies, medical info, new products, events, local supports groups, etc. This month, NES is inviting nominations for its annual award ceremony in November.

There are different categories and while reading the summary of last year's 'winners', I thought to myself: why not nominating Gaelle, who is being so brave and has become a bit of a young activist in her own ways! So I spoke to one of our lovely neighbours who is also one of Gaelle's friends' gran. She has a huge soft spot for Gaelle and was obviously delighted to put her name forward for the award! Here is what the nomination text says:

"Gaelle and my grand-daughter are good friends and often play together. She has a very positive attitude and is a polite, spirited and helpful 5 year-old girl.

I have never heard her complain about her painful eczema symptoms even though I know that she is going through a lot of discomfort, often battling against infections and allergic reactions.

 Lately, she has become more independent with her skin care, insisting on applying creams on her legs herself at home, wearing oversized protective gloves and acting like ‘a nurse in real life’ as she says it!

 Gaelle has educated many local children who asked about her bandages: ‘It’s because I have eczema. That’s when you feel dry and itchy. You can’t catch it by playing with me, though’. She also happily acted as a model last year when her mother trained 10 Education professionals about creams and bandages.

This year, Gaelle will take part in the National Eczema Week by preparing NES material packs, which her mother and work colleagues will kindly distribute in Edinburgh’s key places.

Finally, Gaelle has written a blog entry in the ‘Diary Project’ of the ‘For Scotland’s Disabled Children’ campaign where she explains what life with eczema is like for her. A young activist!"

Gaelle's blog entry is to be published in the near future. I am so proud of my girl. She is inspirational in many ways.To be completely honest, I don't really mind about the award itself, but if we could get a few words of encouragements from NES, it would be lovely for Gaelle and everyone looking after her!