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London marathon success for Warwickshire trio - 16/04/08

Stuart Clarke (36) from Shipston on Stour, whose young son has been diagnosed with an incurable liver disease, successfully completed his first Flora London Marathon on Sunday (13 April) for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF). 

CLDF has provided information and support to Stuart and wife Justine since their son Robert, who will celebrate his first birthday on 26 April, was diagnosed with the liver disease biliary atresia shortly after birth.  The condition means that the bile ducts become progressively blocked leading to irreversible liver damage. 

Robert underwent a corrective operative when he was nineteen days old and is currently doing well, although he could require a liver transplant in the future if his condition deteriorates.

Stuart was joined in the race by lifelong friend David Tame (39) who also lives in Shipston on Stour.  Stuart completed the race in a time of 4 hours 51 minutes.  David crossed the finish-line in a time of 3 hours 6 minutes and was the fastest of CLDF’s team of 23 runners. The duo hope to have raised £2,500 for CLDF.

Stuart says; “It was a great experience and the atmosphere was amazing. It was also very special to celebrate the run with other families at CLDF’s post-race reception which emphasised what a difference the money we’ve raised will make.  Thousands of children are affected by liver disease through no fault of their own or their parents and CLDF’s support, education and research programmes make a huge difference.  It feels great to have done something to help other children like Robert.”

Stratford man Douglas Waddell (43) also ran for CLDF after learning of the charity’s work via a work colleague whose child died from liver disease. Douglas, who already has twenty marathons under his belt, achieved his target of a sub-4 hr time, completing the race in 3 hours 30 minutes and 38 seconds.  Douglas has raised over £4,000 for the charity.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation says; “Congratulations to Stuart, David and Douglas on their fantastic running efforts on CLDF’s behalf. Every penny raised is urgently needed and will help CLDF to continue its vital family support, education and research programmes.  These offer a lifeline to families of the two children diagnosed with liver disease every day in the UK through no fault of their own or their parents.  We are extremely grateful for their support.”

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