Lauren Randall from Thetford is excited to be taking part in the London Marathon for the first time on April 27. The 28-year-old beauty therapist is not a seasoned runner but is stepping out of her comfort zone in a bid to raise £2,000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, a charity which means a lot to her.
“I was diagnosed with the rare and life-threatening liver disease, biliary atresia, when I was six weeks old,” explains Lauren. “I underwent surgery, known as a Kasai procedure, to enable my liver to function properly and I’m very fortunate in that this was successful and so far, apart from regular check-ups, I have been able to live a normal life.
“As I was growing up, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation were always there for me and my family with information and support whenever we needed it, and I would like to know that this support is available to all families in this situation. I know how fortunate I am. Unlike most people with biliary atresia, I have not had to have a liver transplant. Because I’m fit and well, I feel I would like to give something back to support others who may not be as lucky as me.
“I’ve been following a training programme which has been going well and now the big day is drawing nearer, I’m both nervous and excited. I’m not stressing about my finish time. As long as I complete the course and hit my fundraising target for a cause which is so important to me, I’ll be happy!”
“Many people don’t realise that liver disease is something which affects babies and children,” says Michelle Wilkins, Head of Children’s and Families Services at CLDF, which has now merged with the British Liver Trust to bring children’s and adult liver support services together. “But every year in the UK, around 400 children are diagnosed with a condition for which there is still no cure. A diagnosis means a lifetime of medical care and the effect on families is devastating.
“We provide those young people and their families with information, emotional support and a united voice but we rely on fundraising to do this, so we’re so grateful and excited that Lauren is running the London Marathon for us. She is not only giving much needed support to our charity but is providing real hope to so many other young people with liver disease by taking on this challenge. We shall be cheering for her on the day – go Lauren!”
You can support Lauren’s London Marathon challenge at https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/lauren-randall
