Amongst the 50,000 runners taking part in Sunday’s Great North Run were a Nottinghamshire family who were raising funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) a cause very close to their hearts.
Emily and Dan Wong from East Markham (near Tuxford) have received information and support from CLDF ever since their daughter, two year old Eleanor, was diagnosed with the rare liver disease, PFIC 1.
“PFIC 1 is one of many rare liver diseases which affect children and Eleanor requires multiple daily medications and regular medical checks,” says Emily who is a nurse in Newark. “Happily, she is doing well at the moment. She still has her gastrostomy tube and needs overnight feeds, but she is growing better, her speech is coming on and she’s a very happy little girl who is loving pre-school.”
“As a family we have found CLDF’s support invaluable and the research they fund is very important to us. We want to know, however that they will continue to be there for Eleanor as she grows up and, as keen runners, the Great North Run seemed a great way of giving something back.
“Dan and I did it last year and it enjoyed it so much we were determined to do it again and this time we were joined by my cousin Freddie (who lives in Shelton). Yesterday was another amazing experience. I finished in two hours 48 minutes while Dan achieved a personal best of two hours 12. The most important thing, however is that we have raised almost £5000 for a cause which means so much to us.”
Alison Taylor, 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 to hear about the fantastic fundraising which Eleanor has inspired. Taking part in the Great North Run is a huge commitment in terms of time and training and we’re so pleased that Emily, Dan and Freddie enjoyed the experience. The money they raised will be benefit children like Eleanor throughout the UK.”
You can still support Emily and Dan’s Great North Run by going to
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emily-wong5
For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.
