Delores McPherson of East Ham is planning to trek up Snowdon next week (October 29). Together with her sister Lorraine, niece Danika and six other friends, they plan to climb Wales’ highest peak and raise £1,000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF). It is a cause which means a lot to Delores and her family as only one month ago her 22 year old son, Keiran, was placed on the waiting list for a liver transplant.
“We’ve been receiving information and support from CLDF ever since Keiran was diagnosed with autoimmune liver disease seven years’ ago,” says Delores. “Three years after that, he was diagnosed with colitis. Since both these diagnoses, I would describe our lives as a whirlwind of distressing and upsetting times, but Keiran has still managed to hold a job down and remain positive.
“In recent months, however, his health has deteriorated. His consultant has advised that his liver disease has now become chronic and he needs to be listed for transplant. This news came as a big shock to both of us as this was not part of our plan.
“Whilst climbing Snowdon is always something we have said we would like to do, we have now decided to make it a fundraiser for CLDF as they support young people in Keiran’s situation throughout the UK.”
Keiran admits that living with liver disease is not easy. “Going through different pains physically and emotionally has put a big strain on me,” he says. “I feel that I have been fighting a never-ending battle, although the support from family and friends has been amazing through this very challenging time. As I enter a new chapter with receiving a new liver, I am anxious but intrigued by the new lessons I can learn from this next stage of my life.
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 what Delores has planned. We hope it’s an amazing experience for them.”
You can support Delores and Keiran’s Snowdon climb by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/delores-mcpherson1