No one should ever have to go through what Rhys Williams has gone through. At just 13-years-old, he’s lived a life that is exponentially harder than many of us will never know.

Just before Rhys was about to turn 14-years-old, a rare health condition made the teen doubt if he wanted to live to see his birthday.

“I’ve had enough of life,” Rhys told his mother Tanya Williams over the summer of 2019.

Rhys, from Bolton, U.K., was born with a painful and rare skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa. The terrible condition causes the teen’s skin to blister and his fingers to fuse together. Most of his body needs to be wrapped in bandages to protect him from any brushes or bumps into objects that could harm him.

Sadly, the skin condition prevents the young man from doing many things that kids his age love – like playing sports, going out on his own, or even getting a hug from his mom.

Heartbreakingly, children who have this condition are often known as ‘butterfly’ boys or girls since they rarely reach adulthood.

Rhys had been feeling extra depressed about his painful skin condition and told his mother that he just wished a butterfly would come and take him away.

“He just wants to give up, he doesn’t want to fight anymore. What do you do as a mum?” Tanya told the U.K.’s Daily Record in early September.

Feeling desperate to help her son, Tanya put out a plea for people to send Rhys birthday cards for his 14th birthday on September 21st. But she had no idea how much love and support would come flooding their way.

Since her plea, Tanya says that Rhys has received over 10,000 birthday cards – with no signs of stopping.

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Birthday cards for the young teen boy have been arriving by the bag and even truck full! In fact, the post office even sent a dedicated van full of birthday cards, letters, and even presents for Rhys. Tanya shared the overwhelming love and support on her dedicated Facebook page.

“All the cards are just as nice and kind as the next,” Tanya Williams said. “His favourite present so far has got to be his gaming headphones and Xbox game from someone in L.A.”

Strangers have come out of the woodwork to make sure Rhys knows he’s loved and valued – even celebrities and sports teams have reached out with support.

Tanya was already amazed by all of the people who cared, but when she received a call from Liverpool Football Club’s Peter Moore, she knew just how much of an impact her son was having on the world. The CEO ended up providing the family with box tickets, which was much to the delight of Rhys who is a mega-Liverpool fan.

“Rhys has not been able to wipe the smile off his face. He’s been so happy,” she said. “It restores your faith in humanity.”

As for Rhys’ future? Sadly, there is no cure for his rare condition, however, his family is eternally grateful for the time they’ve been able to spend with their son. At birth, they were unsure if he’d ever live to see his teen years.

“I just want to say thank you. That’s all I can really say at the moment, I’m so overwhelmed by it all,” Tanya said.

All of the public’s love and support has let Rhys know that, no matter what, his life is worth living and he is surrounded by compassion and love.

Are you interested in sending Rhys a birthday card?

Send your well-wishes to: 40 Whalley Ave., Bolton, BL1 5UD in the United Kingdom. Or, you can reach out to Banter Card Shops who will print a card free of charge, you’ll just need to pay for shipping!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

H/T: Newsner