A BOY suffering a debilitating skin condition celebrated his 14th birthday with 18,000 cards and presents, sent from around the world in an ‘overwhelming’ show of support.

Earlier this month, The Bolton News shared the story of Rhys Williams, who lives in constant pain because of a life-limiting skin condition.

Unable to walk because of the severe epidermolysis bullosa, Rhys has been struggling to find something to live for, even telling his mum that he wishes “the butterflies would come and take him away”.

Devastated mum Tanya Williams put out a plea ahead of his 14th birthday. She asked for cards to be sent Rhys’ way to show him that people cared and that he had something to fight for.

Rhys touched the hearts of people across the globe. Gifts and messages flooded in from as far as Dubai, India and New Zealand.

On Saturday, the big day arrived and Rhys celebrated his 14th birthday with over 18,000 cards. Cards and balloons fill every corner of Rhys’ home and have even spilled over to his neighbours’ gardens as there is no more space for the constant deliveries.

The family gathered for a party in the sun at their home in Whalley Avenue and the teenager opened a few more of the thousands of gestures cramming the house.

Rhys’ big surprise was a French Bulldog puppy — his new “forever friend” came as a generous donation after the news of his plight spread.

The Bolton News joined mum Tanya on Saturday to hear about the “overwhelming” last few weeks. She said: “He is sore but he’s happy and that’s what is most important. It’s definitely going to show him that people care about his condition. I think the puppy might give him something to care for, a reason to be here.”

In recent months, the Sharples School pupil has been sad, but hope seems to be on the horizon. Ms Williams added: “His mental attitude has been getting much better after seeing all of these amazing messages.”