An eight year old boy from Deal who was born with a rare liver disease and received a life-saving transplant when he was just eight months old, is leading a four mile hike next Friday to raise funds to support other children with liver disease.
Hugo Wooding’s Big Yellow Hike will be taking place on Big Yellow Friday, March 31, the national fundraising and awareness day for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF). The charity means a lot to Hugo and his family as mum, Polly, explains:
“We found out about CLDF very soon after Hugo was diagnosed with the rare disease, biliary atresia, and it was a no-brainer that we’d want to support them. We see the work the charity does as hugely important to the understanding of illnesses such as Hugo’s, and we’ve personally been on the end of their support, particularly during Hugo’s longest admissions at King’s where we would be visited and offered support by CLDF staff.
“So we’ve taken part in Big Yellow Friday when Hugo was much younger, but he’s never participated himself. Now, however, Hugo is more aware of his transplant, and has shown a keen interest in fundraising so it seemed the ideal time for him to get directly involved.”
Hugo’s Hike will cover the four miles from his school, Northbourne CE Primary to the Bowling Green pub in Deal. He’s already smashed his £200 fundraising target and is looking forward to the day:
“I chose to do this because I love walking and I love to raise money – I want to help everyone who is poorly,” he says. “Because it’s Big Yellow Friday, I’ll be wearing yellow but my costume is a surprise. I’m amazed and happy about what I have raised so far and now my school are supporting me too, so I’ve increased my target to £350!”
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 Big Yellow Friday is a really important day for us. It’s brilliant that Hugo has encouraged his family and friends to join in with his hike and we wish them the best of luck for next Friday.”
You can support Hugo’s Big Yellow Hike by going to Polly Wooding is fundraising for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (justgiving.com)
For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.
