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2006 August 29 - Aunt of liver transplant boy inspired to complete Hydro Active Challenge

A Stoke woman whose nephew underwent a life saving liver transplant in June will be taking part in the Women’s Hydro Active 5k run in Birmingham city centre on Sunday 3rd September to raise funds to help children with liver disease.
 
Alex Lees (24), from Hanford will take part in the challenge to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), the only organisation in the UK dedicated to fighting childhood liver disease. 

Alex learnt of the charity’s vital work after her nephew Tom (12) who lives in Kidsgrove, was diagnosed with a serious liver condition and his family were told that he would need a liver transplant to survive. Thankfully, after being on the transplant waiting list since November 2005, Tom underwent the operation in June 2006. Tom is doing well but will require daily medication for life to help him rejecting his new liver.

Alex decided to raise funds for CLDF after learning of the charity’s work earlier this year  when Tom’s parents met with a CLDF family support officer at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Alex says, “When the family first met with CLDF it was a hugely distressing time. Tom was still on the transplant list waiting for a donor organ to become available and they didn’t know what the future held.  CLDF provided Tom’s parents with information and advice, and it was a great reassurance to know that there was an organisation who understood what they were going through and was there to offer support whenever they needed it. Few people realise that two children like Tom are diagnosed with a liver disease every day in the UK so CLDF’s support programme is vital and I wanted to do something to help ensure it could continue.”

Alex has been training hard for the run and hopes to raise £200.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation says, "It is great to hear that Tom is doing well after his transplant. Families like Tom’s do not know why or how he had a liver disease. The fact is that there are over 100 different liver diseases which can affect any child of any age. Thousands of families are living with the devastating consequences everyday and to these families CLDF is a lifeline, providing information, emotional support and hope for the future through our pioneering research programme.  We are the only organisation dedicated to fighting childhood liver disease but we desperately need public support to enable us to continue and enhance our work.  We are extremely grateful Alex for her running effort on our behalf.  Every penny raised will help make a difference to these families and we wish her every success in her run.”

Anyone wishing to pledge support for Alex’s run can visit her online sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/alexlees

For further information on the work of the Foundation, please visit www.childliverdisease.org or call 0121 212 3839.

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For further information on this story please contact: 
Rachel Markham, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, Tel: 0121 212 6012, e-mail: communications@childliverdisease.org

Note to editors:

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation is a unique national charity that fights childhood liver diseases through funding pioneering research and educating healthcare professionals and the general public. Formed in 1980, it provides professional, emotional support to families affected and is the only organisation of its kind in the UK.

Childhood liver disease – the facts
• More children in the UK are currently diagnosed with a liver disease than childhood leukaemia
• At least two children are diagnosed with a liver disease every day in the UK
• Most childhood liver diseases are life threatening; all mean a lifetime of care
• There are over 100 different liver diseases that can affect babies, children or young people
• For most childhood liver diseases the cause is unknown
• Liver disease has no cure
• CLDF is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to stamping out childhood liver disease