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2005 January 4 - Marathon New Year Fitness Goal

NEWS RELEASE

4 January 2005

MARATHON NEW YEAR FITNESS GOAL

People starting the New Year with a new fitness regime to help shed those excess Christmas pounds may be interested in running in this year’s London Marathon to raise funds for Birmingham-based national charity Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF). 

CLDF is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is looking for people who could raise sponsorship of £1500 upwards in return for a guaranteed place in the race.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive, said:  “With the organisers of the Flora London Marathon always over-subscribed by scores of hopeful entrants, we secure guaranteed places by having Golden Bonds.  This year, runners raising money for CLDF have luckily managed to secure their own places, hence the bonds being available, so we would be delighted to hear from anyone eager to support us in our silver jubilee year.

“The only commitment we ask is that a Golden Bond holder should pledge to raise a minimum of £1500.  This isn’t as difficult as it sounds, as many companies have ‘matched giving’ which can make an enormous difference.”

Founded 25 years ago, CLDF’s mission is to fight childhood liver disease through pioneering research and effective education. It also provides professional, caring emotional support to thousands of families and young people affected.

Catherine Arkley continued:  “With two children a day diagnosed with liver disease and 100 different liver diseases affecting children and young people there is much we still don’t know about childhood liver disease. Effective research is the key to providing a future for these youngsters but it is expensive, and with insufficient funds available from the Government, it is left to us to help fund leading edge research projects.”

Now also in its 25th year, organisers of the London Marathon estimate that over £200 million has been raised for various charities since it started, becoming one of Britain’s most successful charity fundraising events.

Anybody wishing to run on behalf of CLDF should contact Sarah Briggs on 0121 212 6007 or e-mail supportermgr@childliverdisease.org

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For further information on this story please contact Rebecca O’Connor on 0121 212 6012 or e-mail rebeccaOC@childliverdisease.org