A HAMPSHIRE baby with an agonising skin condition watched as a sailor set off on an 8,000-mile trip to raise money to help cure him.

Ray Rhoades left from Shamrock Quay in Northam, Southampton, to sail to the Bermuda Triangle and back to raise cash for research into the debilitating condition known as EB.

As reported in the Daily Echo on Saturday, pictured right, four-month-old Harry Hogg's skin blisters at the slightest touch, which means his parents have never cuddled him. Child sufferers are known as 'butterfly' children because their skin is so fragile.

The Hogg family, from Park Gate, near Fareham, were among dozens of well-wishers who waved bon voyage to 59-year-old Ray.

As he cast off, Ray made a plea for sponsors to come forward to help fight EB.

"We are desperate for corporate sponsors and we also really need an Inmarsat so I can keep in contact with the outside world."

Ray will be kept company in his 26ft wooden boat by a teddy-bear named after Harry, a reminder of what the trip is all about. All money raised will go to DEBRA, a self-help group for people with EB which is funding research that may soon offer hope to children like Harry.

DEBRA spokeswoman Laura Pratt said she hoped companies and individuals would sponsor a mile of the trip for £10.

"Only £25 pays for an hour of research, which is reaching a critical stage - an effective treatment is what all EB families long for."

Supporting the send-off were the Mount Baton Twirlers, based at Regent's Park School in South-ampton, who said the cause was an important one.

Organiser Maria Astle said: "Even though we are an unfunded troupe we like helping out people and this is so important."

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Ray, who comes from Portsmouth, or wants to find out more about epidermolysis bullosa (EB) should contact DEBRA on 01344 771961.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.