Emily Wong from East Markham will be fulfilling a long-held ambition when she takes part in the London Marathon next weekend (April 23). And the mum of two has already raised over £3,300 for a cause very close to her heart, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).
The charity has been important to Emily and her husband, Dan, ever since their daughter, Eleanor, who is now six, was diagnosed with the rare liver disease, PFIC 1.
“CLDF have done so much to support us as a family,” says Emily, an advanced nurse practitioner who works in primary care. “Having a child with a rare disease can be very tough. But CLDF are there with emotional support when it is most needed, they advise us on financial support, fund research and so much more.
“Eleanor is currently stable thanks to medication but childhood liver disease is a lifelong condition and she will continue to need CLDF’s support as she grows up. This charity is crucial in the UK to help families like mine so I’m so excited to have the opportunity to run the Marathon for them. I’ve done half marathons before but the London Marathon is something I’ve always wanted to do and what better time than just before I turn 40!
“Now we’re getting close to the big day I am feeling both excited and nervous about the big day. Training has gone well despite suffering with a shin splint and I’ve been delighted with the response to my fundraising. I am determined to complete it for Eleanor, my family and everyone who has supported me.”
Rebecca Cooper, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this, however, we rely on voluntary donations, so we are delighted that Emily is taking on the London Marathon for us and it’s brilliant to see how well her fundraising is going. We wish her all the best for Sunday and really hope that the day lives up to expectation!”
You can support Emily’s London Marathon challenge by going to Children’s Liver Disease Foundation: Emily Wong (enthuse.com)
For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.