Nell McAndrew launches book for brave friend Jonny Kennedy, known to millions as The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off

Model Nell McAndrew has launched a new book about her friend, Jonny Kennedy, known to millions as 'The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off'. Nell contributed the foreword for the book, 'Jonny Kennedy: The Story of the Boy Whose Skin Fell Off'', written by Jonny's best friend Roger Stutter. Roger spent many months recording Jonny's innermost thoughts and recollections for memoir.

Jonny Kennedy was the star of the unforgettable Emmy award-winning documentary The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off. Jonny, from Northumberland, England, was born with the agonising condition Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which meant that his skin could literally fall off at the slightest touch. It was a daily struggle he faced with courage, determination and wit, offering inspiration to millions around the world. Tragically, Jonny was just 36 when he lost a final battle to skin cancer four years ago, on 26 September 2003.

Nell McAndrew, from Leeds, England, befriended Jonny during the filming of the documentary, and now helps to raise money for the Jonny Kennedy charity. A forces sweetheart, Nell is perhaps best known for being the official Lara Croft model from the Tomb Raider video games, and for her appearance in reality TV show I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.

'Not a day goes by without Jonny being in my thoughts,' said Nell. 'I feel very fortunate to have met such a special person and I will never forget him.'

It is hoped the book will raise awareness of Jonny's condition and of the charities that continue his work.

The launch event took place at an ASDA Wal-Mart store in Gateshead, North East England. Photographs appear on the publisher's website: www.tontopress.com


Jonny Kennedy: The Story of the Boy Whose Skin Fell Off'
As told to Roger Stutter, foreword by Nell McAndrew
Tonto Press, £9.99, ISBN 9780955218385
Paperback, 224 pages + 16 colour photo pages
Tonto Press books are available from all good bookshops