A TEIGNMOUTH boy severely allergic to sunlight has been given his best Christmas present yet, writes Hannah Taylor. Ben Ridings, nine, was diagnosed with Actinic Prurigo last year, a rare condition that means he blisters in the sunlight. But a strict regime of protective treatments, a less-sunlit school and night time activities means that Ben's face is clear of blisters for the first time in three years. Our picture shows the turning point for the youngster, who last year was in utter despair. And kind-hearted fundraisers have gone above and beyond for the youngster by raising £5,000 to send him and his family on a trip to America, especially designed for children with sun allergies. Welcome Family Holiday Park, Dawlish Warren, and fundraising group the Chudlians, have raised £5,000 to send Ben and his family to Camp Sundown. The camp is two hours north of New York and provides night-time holidays especially for children who are allergic to the sun. Mum Terri said the family had been overwhelmed by the support, and Ben is on the up seven months after the diagnosis. 'We have had so much positive energy from lots of different people. 'Ben is so much happier now. He is no longer getting picked on and he is now looking in the mirror, something which he just would not do before,' she said. 'His mood has improved. There has been a change in him and he knows now that it is not his fault. He has accepted that he is allergic to the sun. The condition has turned day into night for the family as parents Eddie and Terri and brother Thomas have to stick to a strict routine to protect the youngster. The family goes on night time walks and even prepares for sunny weather with the help of the Exeter-based Met Office. He has been at his new school at Stokeinteignhead for more than a month, where staff help him to apply creams and arrange indoor lunchtime activities. It means that Ben is able to spend all day at school instead of being educated at home. Terri continued: 'His skin is as good as we've ever seen it. We have a strict regime and the winter weather has done the world of good. He is so happy right now. I have got my little boy back.' The family has managed to speak to other allergy sufferers via the internet and have gained support from other web-based networks. 'It has been really useful for us to speak with other people. 'And a big thank you must go to the holiday park and the Chudlians for raising the money. 'We did not think it would happen so quickly and it will be a great opportunity for Ben to speak with other people. 'Ben does have his ups and downs, but there will be children worse off than him at the camp and he will learn a lot.'