A couple from Bournemouth have been recognised for their efforts in raising over £50,000 for a national charity. Paul and Liz Jenkins from Tuckton found out about the work of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation over 20 years ago. They decided to channel their love of running into raising much needed funds to support families around the UK whose children are affected by rare and life-threatening liver disease.
Over the years, Paul, 78, has run the London Marathon an incredible 33 times. Liz, 75, has run it 11 times and the couple even celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2019 by running it together! They have boosted their running sponsorship by organising countless raffles, car boot sales, coffee mornings and quiz nights credit the community in Bournemouth for their brilliant support.
“We’ve been very well supported over all these years by everyone from local shops and small business donating raffle prizes to AFC Bournemouth who’ve provided signed shirts” says Liz. “We couldn’t have done this on our own – we’re lucky to have an amazing community around us. I find that people are generally happy to support a smaller and lesser-known charity when they understand the work they are doing.”
Children’s Liver Disease Foundation has now merged with the British Liver Trust in order to better support people of all ages affected by liver disease and, last month Paul and Liz were invited to an event at the charity’s Winchester headquarters to recognise exceptional fundraisers.
“It was lovely to meet other fundraisers and to hear how funds are used,” says Liz. “And although we’re very proud of our total, we’ve no intentions of stopping. Paul is planning to run the London Marathon again next year and is delighted to continue to raise funds and awareness for a fantastic cause!”
Michelle Wilkins, Head of Children’s and Families’ Services at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. Paul and Liz have played a key part in this for many years and it was wonderful to meet them and thank them in person. We are in awe both of their fundraising and their fitness!”
