*Welcome to the CLDF Media Room* | Press Releases | Archived Press Releases | 2006 August 1 - Local woman inspired to ?trek Peru? to raise funds for children with liver disease

2006 August 1 - Local woman inspired to ?trek Peru? to raise funds for children with liver disease

A Lyndhurst woman is looking forward to the challenge of a lifetime as she prepares for a ten trip in September to ‘trek Peru’ with the aim of raising funds to help children with liver disease.

Gemma Forman (22) from The Meadows will be undertaking the challenge - which includes five full days of arduous walking and climbing - to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, the only organisation in the UK dedicated to fighting childhood liver disease.

Gemma, the assistant manager of a training and activity centre in the New Forest,, was inspired to raise funds for the charity after learning of the charities work offering support to families of children affected by liver disease, and their vital research and education programmes.

Gemma is gaining sponsorship to complete the challenge which will see her trekking for 8 – 9 hours a day.  Gemma will be starting the trek from Tambo Machay, an ancient ruin high in the hills above Cusco and will walk along the Inca Trail, climb up Dead Woman’s Pass and see the famous Machu Picchu site before finishing the challenge at Patacancha.  

Gemma says, “It will be extremely hard work as the terrain is tough and we will be camping in the mountains so the comforts of home will be well and truly forgotten.  I However I am really looking forward to the challenge and I am sure there will be some unforgettable sights along the way.  I will be really proud to complete the trek.”

Gemma, who has raised funds for the charity in the past by recycling ink-jet cartridges and organising car-boot sales, was looking for a personal challenge to raise extra funds for the charity when she learnt of this overseas adventure.

Gemma adds, “There are now many challenges you can undertake to help raise funds for CLDF and when I read about the Peru trip it sounded perfect. When my legs are really hurting I will just remember why I am undertaking the challenge and that will keep me going. Few people realise that two children are diagnosed with a liver disease every day in the UK.  Most of these diseases are life threatening and all mean a life time of care.  I hope people will offer their support for this worthwhile cause.”

In preparation for the challenge Gemma has been jogging, swimming and entering triathlons.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation says, "We are extremely grateful to Gemma for undertaking this immense challenge on our behalf and wish her every success on the trek. The fact is that there are over 100 different liver diseases which can affect any child of any age and quite simply we don’t know why they occur.  We desperately need more funds to continue our support, education and research programmes every penny really does make a difference.”

For further information on the work of the Foundation, or for details on overseas challenges 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:
The 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