A grandmother from Weybridge is heading to Newcastle this weekend to take part in the Great North Run. Kim Simpson, 55, is determined to raise as much as she can for a cause very close to her heart, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation.
“My world was transformed in 2022 by the arrival of my first grandchild and it’s all true, there is a special kind of love that exists between granny and her grandchildren, explains Kim. “So when my granddaughter was diagnosed with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia it came as a real shock. None of us had heard of this condition before unsurprising due to its rarity – it affects around 1 in 15,000 births. But if it is not recognised and operated on within the first few months of life, it can prove fatal. Thankfully our beautiful baby was diagnosed and had surgery at Kings College Hospital and is now thriving. Strong in body, mind and spirit – like most wonderful toddlers!
“At the beginning of our journey though, we were all devastated and desperate to understand what was going on and find out more. Google can be a scary place and even though I am familiar with medical terminology (being a palliative care nurse) there was so much information to read and decipher. Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), was an anchor in a turbulent time. Even the familiar colour of blue and yellow felt like a safe place when trawling the internet. CLDF continues to be a great resource to us all, with helpful information relating to all aspects of caring for a child with a liver condition.
“I wanted to take on a challenge to support my granddaughter and others in her situation and normally I would choose the more passive sports likes pilates or swimming. But the Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world and considering the challenges my beautiful granddaughter may continue to face, it was only fitting to go big or go home!
“Training has taken me well outside my comfort zone but when I have felt exhausted or reluctant to push through the pain, I remember how brave my family is every time infection markers rise and hospital looms. And I’m certainly not setting my sites on a particular time – just hoping I can run the distance and still walk the week after! My husband Charlie has also been a wonderful support and secured a place to run with me on the day.
“I’m delighted to have already hit my original £1,000 target. But for me this challenge isn’t just about the money – it’s about awareness. One of the signs of biliary atresia is jaundice -very common in newborn babies – but prolonged jaundice must be investigated. We were lucky, but I should hate to think of a single case being missed. Every new parent should know about this. By taking this on, I’m hoping to raise both funds to support the wonderful work of CLDF and awareness of this condition.”
Michelle Wilkins, Head of Children’s and Families’ Services at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “We’re dedicated to fighting all forms of childhood liver disease through providing information, support and a campaigning voice for everyone affected. We are so grateful, not only for Kim’s fantastic fundraising but for her commitment to raising awareness of the signs of liver disease in newborn babies. We wish her all the best for Sunday.”
Yellow Alert is CLDF’s national campaign to promote the early identification of liver disease in babies. More here Yellow Alert – Childrens Liver Disease Foundation (childliverdisease.org)
You can support and share details of Kim’s Great North Run challenge by going to kim Simpson is fundraising for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (justgiving.com)
