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London Marathon Success for Croydon woman - 14/04/08

Lisa Sams (25), a junior surveyor from Croydon, successfully completed her first Flora London Marathon on Sunday (13 April), raising £1,000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Lisa who lives off Wickham Road, completed the famous race for CLDF after a young relative, eight year old Charley, was diagnosed with a life-threatening and incurable liver disease when she was a few weeks old.  After a corrective operation Charley is now doing well but could require a life saving liver transplant in the future if her condition deteriorates.

Lisa crossed the finish-line in a time of 5 hours 31 minutes and 27 seconds and celebrated her success with Charley and her mum Lisa Lewis who live in Devon, at CLDF’s post-race reception.
 
Lisa says; “I’ve wanted to run the marathon since I was at school and it lived up to all my expectations. The atmosphere was brilliant and the support of the crowds was amazing, I don’t think I would have made it round without them. I would definitely consider doing it again as all the aches and pains are worth it for such an important cause. It feels great to have fulfilled a personal ambition whilst raising vital funds for CLDF.  Meeting other families affected by liver disease at the reception was very special and hit home just what a difference the money will make.”

Charley’s mum Lisa, a local ambassador for CLDF says; “I am so proud of Lisa and her fantastic running efforts for CLDF.  Few people realise that at least two children are diagnosed with a liver disease every day in the UK through no fault of their own or their parents, and to these families CLDF is a lifeline.  However its services can only continue with public support. The money Lisa has raised is urgently needed and will help CLDF to continue its vital family support, education and research programmes which make such a difference to thousands of families like ours.”

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

For more information on CLDF’s work and running the 2009 London marathon for CLDF 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