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Croydon woman to run London marathon - 26/02/08

A junior surveyor from Croydon is getting set to run the Flora London marathon on Sunday 13 April to help raise vital funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Lisa Sams (25), who lives off Wickham Road, is training in the hope of completing the world famous 26.2 mile course in 4 hrs 20 minutes and raising over £1,000 for CLDF in the process.

CLDF is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to fighting all liver diseases of childhood. Lisa learnt of the charity’s work after a young relative was diagnosed with a life-threatening and incurable liver disease.

Lisa says: “Charley, who is now eight, was diagnosed with a condition called biliary atresia shortly after her birth. The bile ducts become progressively blocked leading to irreversible liver damage and she needed a corrective operation when she was just a few weeks old.  She has since progressed well although she could require a liver transplant in the future if her condition deteriorates.

“Charley’s family has received information and emotional support from CLDF, and the charity also fund’s vital medical research.  I see the run as my way of doing something to help CLDF give hope to thousands of families like Charley’s as the search for a cure continues.”

Lisa, who has never participated in a long-distance race before, will be completing a life-long ambition by taking part having previously applied on three occasions without success: “I’ve been keen to take part in the marathon since I was at school and I’ve been training hard in preparation.  Running for such a worthy cause is also great incentive to get round.” Lisa adds.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, says: “Few people realise that two children like Charley are struck down by liver disease every day in the UK through no fault of their own or their parents. CLDF’s support, research and education programmes offer a lifeline to devastated families, but these services can only continue with public support.

“CLDF relies on enthusiastic supporters like Lisa for raising over 75% of its income – every penny of which is desperately needed.  On behalf of the families we would like to thank Lisa for taking on this enormous but hugely rewarding challenge and we wish her every success on the day.”

Anyone wishing to offer support can visit Lisa’s special online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/lisasams

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