ISLA PAIN GEL JOY

Treatment for agonising skin condition approved following drive by family and Graeme Souness

- VIVIENNE AITKEN

AN AMAZING treatment approved yesterday is set to change the life of butterfly girl Isla Grist, who suffers in agony every day.

Isla, 15, has the agonising condition epidermolysis bullosa - which causes the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch.

In January, Rangers and Scotland legend Graeme Souness - who is close pals with Isla and her family - begged health chiefs to help her by fast-tracking a new treatment to ease her pain.

Yesterday their wish came true when the Scottish Medicines Consortium approved the use of Filsuvez gel as the first licensed treatment in Europe for the devastating condition.

Filsuvez is a sterile gel for wounds associated with EB in patients six months and older. It was approved via the SMC's ultra orphan medicines pathway for an initial three-year period while further safety and efficacy data is collected.

Graeme befriended Isla and her family while fundraising alongside her dad, Andy, for research into the condition.

Along with a team of Royal Marines, Graeme and Andy swam the English Channel last year to raise awareness of the condition and funds for vital research into treatments.

A new challenge by Graeme, Andy and the team is expected to be announced this month.