Kyra Collins from Bromsgrove, is delighted that this Sunday (October 2) she will finally be taking part in the London Marathon she originally hoped to do in 2020. Not only will she fulfil her ambition, but she has already raised £3,500 for a charity, very close to her heart, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).
Kyra, 41, a nutritionist, found out about CLDF when her friends’ daughter, Imogen, now 10, was born with a rare liver disease and needed a life-saving transplant when she was just four months old.
“To see your friends go through this, face the agonising wait for a donor, knowing that if they are lucky enough to receive a new liver, the journey is far from over – there are no words to do it justice”, says Kyra. “Happily, Imogen’s transplant was a success, she’s doing incredibly well, she takes her anti-rejection medication every day and continues to amaze us with her bubbly personality and unwavering energy.
“Her parents, Kate and Julian, can’t praise CLDF enough. The charity have been there for them from the start, providing invaluable information and support. There is no cure for children’s liver disease so it’s vital that everyone affected has that support and can meet other families who are dealing with it.
“I originally planned to do the London Marathon for CLDF two years ago but had to do the virtual marathon that year, due to the pandemic. Unfortunately the charity have lost staff, funds and resources as a result of the pandemic and need help more than ever, so it gave me a great excuse to do the real thing this year and increase my fundraising target! The support of family and friends with my fundraising and training has been amazing – Imgoen and her mum have even joined me in some of my open-water swimming – and I’m so proud to have raised this much for a cause which is so important to me.
“I admit I’m feeling a bit nervous as the big day approaches as I know it will be tough but it’s nothing compared to the challenges which Imogen and her parents have been through. I feel I’ve waited such a long time for this, I know I’ll cry when I cross that finish line – I’m just determined to do everyone proud!”
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 and so grateful that Kyra is doing the London Marathon for us. It’s a huge commitment in terms of training and fundraising so we hope her first London Marathon is a wonderful experience and wish her all the best for the day.”
You can support Kyra’s marathon challenge by going to Kyra Collins is fundraising for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (justgiving.com)
