We love hearing about your Big Yellow Friday activities as well as your reasons for joining in and we were particularly touched to hear from Pozz, who shares her story here.
I’ve known about Children’s Liver Disease Foundation for a little while as my granddaughter, Mia, was born with a rare autoimmune deficiency which damaged her liver and led to end stage liver disease. Mia had been subject to a myriad of tests and investigations which continued and escalated from 2021 until she was diagnosed with Dock 8 deficiency in 2023.
From the start CLDF were available with information and support and in particular I know that Kate, the families’ officer, was an invaluable support to my daughter in law, Laura.
Mia received a liver transplant at Leeds in March last year but very sadly passed away in May. She was just six years old. Obviously, this was and is devastating.
I’m joining in with Big Yellow Friday because I really want to give something back to the charity who have listened to and been there for my family during the most difficult of times. As I generally work from home, a bake sale or coffee morning wouldn’t really work as a fundraiser and in all honesty, I can no longer run, so swimming seemed like a good alternative! I typically swim up to one mile a couple of times a week so taking on a two- mile swim for Big Yellow Friday represents a real challenge – hopefully one which will encourage people to sponsor me.
Alongside the swim I’ve also not been drinking alcohol since the New Year – I’m extending Dry January into May and will be contributing the money saved from that process.
Having seen first hand the difference which the Children and Families team make to people in really tough situations, I see Big Yellow Friday as an opportunity to help ensure that this support continues for every family who needs it.
You can support Pozz’s Big Yellow Fundraiser here Pozz Lonsdale is fundraising for British Liver Trust
