Toddler with rare sun ‘allergy’ can now play at home with curtains open

A Scottish toddler with a rare genetic disorder that makes her “allergic” to the sun can finally play at home without the curtains closed thanks to UV-resistant film installed at her home last month.

Two-year-old Mollie Murray, of Montrose, is the only child in the UK known to have her specific variant of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), making her skin extremely sensitive to ultraviolet light.

The condition has no cure, and it puts Mollie at risk of severe sun damage all year round – meaning she can only safely go outside in protective full-length clothing or after dark.

Mollie Murray playing at her home, which is covered in UV-resistant film to keep her safe (The Archie Foundation/Newsline Media/PA)

Her mother, Kirsty Campbell, 35, a charge nurse, said: “She burns all year round and has burnt in November before.

“The only time it’s safe to go outside is in the dark. I want to keep her inside at all times to keep her safe, but we can’t do that – she needs some sort of normality.”

Ms Campbell has spoken out to raise awareness of Mollie’s condition and to thank The Archie Foundation for the “vital” funding they provided to help Mollie’s dad, Ryan Murray, 34, coat his home in UV-resistant film last month.

The film means that Mollie can now play inside without the curtains closed.

“Their support has been indescribable – they’ve been a massive help for us,” Ms Campbell said.

“I cried for about 20 minutes when I was told the money would come through. Mollie wouldn’t have the same quality of life at her dad’s house without it.

She added: “It means she can do simple things like look outside for the postman or draw in daylight. My ex-partner was having to take playpark equipment into his house as it wasn’t safe outside. She’s so happy running around like a normal child.”

Mollie Murray, pictured at home in protective full-length clothing, including hat, gloves and sunglasses, which she has to wear to play safely outside given her genetic disorder (The Archie Foundation/Newsline Media/PA)

Mollie was in and out of hospital from the time she was a baby, suffering from a range of symptoms including seizures and severe reflux.

She first experienced severe sunburn on an overcast day in May 2025. The situation escalated when it happened again two months later.

She was eventually diagnosed with XPF.

Doctors have advised Mollie is 10,000 times more likely to get skin cancer than other children and Ms Campbell has to use a UV monitor to check readings in every room to ensure it’s safe for Mollie to go inside.

“To go from thinking your child has sunburn to them having an extremely rare genetic disorder is mind-blowing,” Ms Campbell said.

“Everyday life is difficult as she needs full protective outer wear for going outside and sun cream every two hours under her clothes.”

She added: “We initially had to play inside in darkness with the curtains closed before getting the UV-resistant film on our windows.”

Ms Campbell and her family have been told that Mollie will likely have neurological impairment and mobility issues in her 40s and 50s, but that she should have a fairly normal childhood.

Mollie’s family are hoping to ensure she has the highest quality of life possible while continuing to keep her safe.

“I have a UV monitor as she can’t just walk into a room. I have to check there is absolutely no UV light there, so there are so many challenges along the way,” Ms Campbell said.

“She is an amazing wee girl and is coping with it so well. She’s very outgoing and friendly and the fact she’s been in hospital so much means she’s used to seeing different faces.”

The Archie Foundation provides support to babies, children and families during a hospital stay or after a bereavement.

The charity gifted Mollie’s family £600 to fund UV film for the whole downstairs of her dad’s house and Mollie’s bedroom upstairs, which was installed on July 15.

Rebecca Duncan, business development and fundraising manager for The Archie Foundation in Tayside, said it’s “wonderful” to hear how the charity’s support has helped make a difference for Mollie and her family.

“Caring for a child with complex needs can be incredibly challenging and, at times, isolating, so we’re committed to ensuring families never feel they have to face that journey alone,” Ms Duncan said.

“Mollie has shown remarkable resilience, and we’re proud to have played a small part in helping her experience the joy, opportunities and precious moments that every child deserves.”