"Putting Skin in the Ring": Vinnie Kray's Fight for the Eczema Community
Wrestler Vinnie Kray has lived with eczema since his teenage years. It's been a part of his life, but recently, things escalated. "It escalated to the point where I was hospitalised for two nights due to a severe flare-up," he says.
It was during that time in hospital that Vinnie decided to turn his experience into something positive, and that's when he came up with the idea for Ultimate British Wrestling's Superbrawl, in support of Eczema UK.
Eczema is a complex medical condition affecting 8 million people in the UK, that's 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults. Individuals' skin can become sore, inflamed, dry, cracked, and very itchy. But what happens when you are a wrestler with eczema?
From what you wear, to the activities you can and can't take part in, to the work you do and even having children — if you live with more severe atopic eczema, you have to constantly plan and prepare. Along with a time-intensive and messy skincare regime, and regularly disturbed sleep, life with eczema can be all-consuming, often for families too. Eczema is also a visible skin condition, and many people worry about how others will react when their skin is inflamed.
That's why Vinnie is making a stand. "I'll be raising awareness and funds to support others facing the same fight," he says. "As a wrestler, managing eczema adds an extra layer of challenge. The pressures of performing and training while dealing with a long-term skin condition isn't often talked about, but are very real."
"This event is more than a wrestling show. It's a platform to raise awareness and let everyone know that with the right support, no one has to face eczema alone."
Eczema UK works to make life better for the eczema community by providing information, supporting research, and campaigning for better care. This year, the charity is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
"It's amazing to see Vinnie Kray so committed to raising awareness and funds for the charities vital work," said Andrew Proctor, Chief Executive of Eczema UK. "There is no cure for eczema, and until then we will work tirelessly to support our community and progress research to find the answers we so desperately need."
