Image source, PA MediaMollie’s mother Kirsty says installing UV film on windows has meant she can live a far more normal life
ByCalum WatsonBBC Scotland
A Scottish toddler with a rare genetic disorder that makes her “allergic” to the sun can play indoors without the curtains closed thanks to UV-resistant film installed on the windows.
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, which has no cure, means Mollie can only safely go outside while wearing protective full-length clothing or after dark.
Her family was able to install the film last month with funding from a charity originally established to support the build of Aberdeen’s children’s hospital.
Image source, PA MediaMollie previously could only play indoors with the curtains drawn
Mollie’s mother, Kirsty Campbell, 35, a charge nurse, said her daughter is at risk of sunburn all year round – and has previously burnt in November.
She said: “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.”
The NHS had paid to install the film at Kirsty’s home, but Mollie’s parents live apart and there was no funding for it at her father Ryan’s home, where she spends much of her time.
The Archie Foundation, which provides support to babies, children and families during a hospital stay or after a bereavement, has now stepped in to cover the £600 cost.
“Their support has been indescribable – they’ve been a massive help for us,” Kirsty 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.”
Image source, PA MediaMollie has to wear full-length clothing to protect herself from the sun when she is outdoors
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 XP.
Doctors have advised that Mollie is 10,000 times more likely to get skin cancer than other children.
Her mother has to use a UV monitor to check readings in every room to ensure it is safe for Mollie to enter.
“To go from thinking your child has sunburn to them having an extremely rare genetic disorder is mind-blowing,” she 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.”
The 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.
They are hoping to ensure she has the highest quality of life possible while continuing to keep her safe.
“She is an amazing wee girl and is coping with it so well,” said Kirsty. “She’s very outgoing and friendly and the fact she’s been in hospital so much means she’s used to seeing different faces.”
Rebecca Duncan, business development and fundraising manager for The Archie Foundation in Tayside, said it was “wonderful” to hear how the charity’s support has helped make a difference for Mollie and her family.
She said: “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.
“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.”
