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Stratford man running London Marathon after vowing never again - 28/03/08

A die-hard runner from Stratford upon Avon who vowed he'd never run another marathon is taking part in this year's race in London (Sunday 13 April) after hearing about the work of a unique Midlands-based children's charity.

Douglas Waddell, 43, is pounding the capital's pavements once again for Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), the UK's only organisation dedicated to fighting all liver diseases of childhood.

Douglas explained: "I took part in last year's London marathon and it was a really hard race. The weather was unseasonably warm and at the end of it I said 'never again'. When the pain wore off I said that the only way I would run it again would be for a good cause. CLDF is not a good cause it is a great cause."

Children's Liver Disease foundation fights childhood liver diseases through funding pioneering research and educating healthcare professionals on the signs and symptoms of liver disease. Its small, Birmingham-based team also helps the many thousands of families affected by providing practical and emotional support.  

Douglas continued: "A work colleague told me about CLDF and I was staggered to find out that at least two children are diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease every day in this country. That's greater than the incidence of childhood leukaemia.

"When I looked into the work of the Foundation more fully, I really wanted to do something to help it continue its fantastic work."

Douglas has run over 20 marathons over the years including two in New York and many in London. His current training regime focuses on weekend runs of up to three hours, when he'll cover over 20 miles. On the big day, he is hoping for a sub-4 hr time for the 26.2 mile course and his aim is to raise £5000 for CLDF.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of CLDF, said: "A diagnosis of liver disease shatters families' lives and CLDF picks up the pieces and gives them hope of a future. But we couldn't do what we do without people like Douglas. We're so grateful that he decided to run another London Marathon on our behalf and we wish him every success."

If people would like to support Douglas's run for CLDF they can donate on line by visiting www.justgiving.com/douglaswaddell. Further information on the work of CLDF is available at www.childliverdisease.org or by calling 0121 212 3839.

Ends

Further information from Jill Priest on 01886 822077

Notes 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

Issued on behalf of Children's Liver Disease Foundation by Professional Communications.