Sexton is a longtime supporter of charity Debra and sufferer Claudia Scanlon who lives with the skin condition
Sexton attended the charity’s auction hosted at Dublin’s Fitzwilliam Hotel on Wednesday alongside longtime friend Claudia Scanlon (22), who lives with EB.
EB is a painful, incurable genetic condition that affects the skin, meaning that any minor friction, movement or trauma causes it to break, tear, and blister. This makes skin as sensitive as a butterfly’s wing.
Roughly 300 people in Ireland live with the condition.
Around 80pc of Ms Scanlon’s body is covered in open wounds, and she undergoes excruciating daily bandaging sessions to manage the condition.
Guests were invited to bid on a series of auction prizes, which included an exclusive training session with the former Ireland international and Leinster star for six young rugby enthusiasts.
Sexton said: “I’ve known Claudia since she was little, and every time I see her, I’m reminded why the work Debra does — and why families like hers keep pushing — matters so much.
“Seeing a room full of people come together, put the jersey on, and get behind a cause like this is incredibly powerful. It’s something that’s very close to my heart, and I’m proud to stand with this community.”
Sexton appeared on The Late Late Show with Ms Scanlon four years ago.
She told guests at the auction that the national charity was the reason people with EB keep hoping and pushing for a future where better treatments, and ultimately cures, are possible.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who showed up and gave so generously,” she said.
“Living with EB, you quickly realise that even the most basic things aren’t straightforward — and that you can’t do it alone.
“For people like me, and for our families, it truly takes a village. Organisations like Debra, and communities like this one, make that village real.”
The charity provides family services, such as practical and psychological support, and funds research into new treatments.
Speaking to the Irish Independent last year Ms Scanlon said: “The pain isn’t just physical, it has a huge impact on your mental health.
“The curious side glances, the hushed conversations or the horrible silence that falls over a room when you enter.”
She added: “I’m not sure how I would have coped without the emotional support from the Debra Family Support Team and the counselling I received through them.”
