*Welcome to the CLDF Media Room* | Press Releases | Archived Press Releases | 2006 August 29 - Man undertakes Rutland Triathlon to help children with liver disease

2006 August 29 - Man undertakes Rutland Triathlon to help children with liver disease

A Worcester man will be taking on the challenge of a half-ironman distance triathlon early next month to help raise funds for children with liver disease.

Edward Garton (36) from Skipton Crescent is entering the vitruvian triathlon at Rutland Water near Oakham on 9th September to help raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Edward, a senior engineer for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Industry Forum, decided to raise fund for the charity, the only organisation in the UK dedicated to fighting childhood liver disease, after learning of their work supporting thousands of families affected by childhood liver disease.

Edward says, “My father-in-law is president of Franche village social club and chose CLDF as his charity of the year for 2006.  His grand-nephew underwent a liver transplant three years ago after being diagnosed with a life threatening liver disease, but is luckily now doing well. I learnt about CLDF’s work and decided I wanted to do something to help. Until then I had no idea that two children are diagnosed with a liver disease every day in the UK, that’s a greater incidence than childhood leukaemia. CLDF’s support programme makes such a difference to affected families, and as there is currently no cure for liver disease, their pioneering research programme also offers hope for the future.”

The triathlon will see Edward completing a 1900m open water swim, 84km bike ride and 21km run and he hopes to complete the event in around six hours.

Edward adds, “I thought the triathlon would be an exciting challenge and the training has certainly got me fit.  I have completed several shorter triathlons in the Worcester area but this is my biggest test to date.  I’d love to raise over £250 and will be splitting the funds between CLDF and the British Heart Foundation.”

Catherine Arkley, chief executive at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation says, "We are extremely grateful to Edward for undertaking this huge challenge to help raise funds. Every penny we receive helps make a difference to thousands of families affected by childhood liver disease.  The fact is that there are over 100 different liver diseases which can affect any child of any age and CLDF is the only organisation providing support to these families. However we desperately need public support to enable us to continue and enhance our work.”

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

- Ends –

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