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Southampton man runs first London marathon to help young people like himself - 31/03/08

A young man from Southampton whose parents were told he may not see his second birthday is running his first Flora London Marathon (Sunday 13 April) to raise money for youngsters like himself.

Tree surgeon Neil Boulter, 20, from Shirley, is running for Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), the only organisation in the country dedicated to fighting all liver diseases of childhood.

When Neil was just nine weeks' old he suffered a brain haemorrhage and was rushed to hospital for an emergency operation to remove a blood clot. During his hospital stay Neil's liver started to swell and after a long series of tests he was diagnosed with a genetic liver disease called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Eventually Neil's liver function returned to normal, although he still has to attend hospital annually so that doctors can monitor for signs of any recurrence of the disease.

Neil has always wanted to take part in the London Marathon. He explains:

"The London Marathon is one of the most famous races in the world and is therefore a great way to raise money and awareness for CLDF. The Foundation carries out fantastic work through funding research projects, educating healthcare professionals and supporting families like ours and every penny raised really counts. We realise how lucky I was, but not every family is as fortunate."

Neil is training most evenings with a five mile run after work and a longer 10-mile run at weekends. He is planning an 18-mile run just before the big race but has already cut his marathon-running teeth with the New Forest Marathon last September, which he completed in 3 hours and 58 minutes.

Neil is aiming for a time of 3 hours, 57 minutes and 59 seconds at the London Marathon and is hoping to raise at least £1500 for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of CLDF, says: "Neil's story is a real inspiration for any youngster who is living with a liver disease. It's fantastic that he is taking up this enormous physical challenge for the Foundation and we wish him every success on the day.

"Neil is absolutely right when he says that every penny raised for the Foundation really counts. Supporters can be sure that their funds go directly towards projects which give families like Neil's real hope for the future and one strong voice to effect change in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood liver disease."

Anyone wanting to sponsor Neil's London Marathon run can do so easily on line by visiting www.justgiving.com/neilboulter or by calling CLDF on 0121 212 3839.

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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.