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*Welcome to the CLDF Media Room* | Press Releases | Archived Press Releases | 2005 October 10 - Man inspired to run New York marathon for children's charity
2005 October 10 - Man inspired to run New York marathon for children's charity
MAN INSPIRED TO RUN NEW YORK MARATHON FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY A man from Cavan, Ireland is entering the New York Marathon on 6th November to raise funds for the charity which offered vital support when his cousin’s daughter was diagnosed with a liver disease. Declan Flood (28) is running to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), the only organisation in the UK fighting to stamp out childhood liver disease. Declan’s second cousin, Erin, was diagnosed with biliary atresia as a baby, a disease in which the bile ducts become progressively blocked, leading to irreversible liver damage. Sadly, a corrective operation was unsuccessful and Erin underwent a liver transplant in June at nine months old. Erin is now doing well and Declan was keen to ‘give something back’ to the charity. Declan says, “I saw the way that CLDF offered support to my family throughout this arduous and highly emotional period and I was keen to help ensure that families continue to be offered this vital support in the future. I decided that running a marathon would be a great way to raise funds, and as I’d always wanted to visit New York, I thought why not combine the two!” This will be Declan’s first marathon and he aims to complete the race in under 4 ½ hours. He has also set an ambitious fundraising target of £5,000. “I have been training hard and am looking forward to the race. I picked up a small injury a couple of weeks ago which may slow me down but I am determined to get round. People have been very generous and I am also hoping to reach my fundraising goal”, Declan adds. Declan has persuaded friend Declan Tighe (28), from Cavan, to join him in the race. Declan will also be fundraising for CLDF. The pair are combining their marathon effort with a few days sight seeing in New York and Boston. Catherine Arkley, Chief Executive of the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation said: "Most people don't realise that two children a day are diagnosed in this country - that's greater than the incidence of childhood leukaemia. Many of these diseases are life threatening, but all mean a lifetime of care. Each year we need to raise more money to fund new research projects, educate more healthcare professionals and support more families and we are extremely grateful to both Declan’s for their support." If you would like to sponsor Declan’s run you can pledge on line at www.justgiving.com/decrunsnyc or contact Rachel Markham at the Children's Liver Disease Foundation on 0121 212 6012. For further information on the work of the Foundation, please visit www.childliverdisease.org or call 0121 212 3839 for a fundraising and information pack. -Ends-
For further information on this story please contact Rachel Markham,
Children’s Liver Disease Foundation on 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.
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