A mum from Cardiff is celebrating her 50th birthday this month by going on as many runs as she can dressed as Wonder Woman! Jane Matthews of Thornhill is also selling crocheted sprouts in a bid to raise £400 for two charities very close to her heart, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) and Wales Air Ambulance.
Jane and her partner, Andrew, first heard about CLDF when their baby daughter, Emily, now 13, was diagnosed with two rare and life-threatening liver diseases – Alagilles syndrome and alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency.
“It was a traumatic time but in those early days, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation were there for us with clear information about Emily’s condition and what it meant for her,” says Jane. “To us, this was invaluable. When you’re feeling frightened and emotional, it’s hard having to repeat yourself when answering the questions of family and friends and everyone else who is naturally concerned, so having information we could easily share was such a help. Also, through CLDF we’ve been able to meet other families whose children have rare liver diseases which has been great for us and for Emily.
“Looking forward, I feel the support available for teens will be a lifeline. Emily was fortunate to receive a life-saving transplant nine years ago and while it’s hard enough just being a teenager, grappling with the consequences of liver disease and transplant throws in extra issues to deal with. It’s reassuring for us to know that CLDF are there to support her and put her in touch with others her age who know just what she’s going through.
“Turning 50 this year has prompted me to want to pay things forward and fundraise. Around the time of my 40th, Emily was deteriorating and it was an incredibly tough year. Now I’m coming to the end of my 40s, slightly battered and bruised, I wanted to celebrate the fact that we’ve had so much help, love and support from so many. I feel blessed and very lucky. Growing older is a gift. I’m surrounded by kids who battle so hard to have the luxury of another day. Nearly two years ago we lost one of our liver family, Millie, very suddenly. The Wales Air Ambulance crew tried to save her but tragically it wasn’t to be. It was a massive shock for everyone who knew her. I really wanted to do something in her memory too, so I’m fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance too.
“I’m not what you’d call a natural runner. I’m slow, overweight, with short legs and I used to avoid running at all costs in school. But ten years ago when Emily’s health started to decline, I needed a way to cope and get through the day. Running gives me this. It forces me to breathe when I’m stressed and just switch off. I honestly believe it’s been my lifeline, running outside, up and down the Welsh hills, watching the seasons change. So, as all of us liver mums joke about pulling on our Wonder Woman knickers when we need to dig deep, what could be a more appropriate costume to run in?!
“Crochet has become another lifeline for me in the past few years, helping with my anxiety and easing the daily pressures of life in general. The sprouts seemed like the perfect little object to sell for fundraising, a little green ball of hope, and we all need some hope. I never expected them to be so popular. I’ve managed to make over 100 so hoping I can sell them all and make a decent amount!
“Emily of course thinks I’m absolutely bonkers but she is used to having an embarrassing mum. She had a bumpy year with many other health issues – this December alone we have five hospital appointments. It’s tough for her as she just wants to be a normal teen, and this is a steep learning curve that a transplant is not a cure. But she’s a very determined, kind and sensible young lady who has a real zest for life and rarely complains – we are incredibly proud of her. She was so very poorly that to see her thrive post-transplant is a real gift for us. Her wonderful donor gave Emily a future and a world of possibilities and she really does squeeze everything out of her precious days.”
Michelle Wilkins, Head of Services at 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 Jane’s fantastic fundraising plans. She truly is making a difference for Emily and other young people like her and we wish her all the best for every Wonder Woman run!
You can support Jane’s festive fundraising by going to: Crowdfunding to Big Birthday Charity Bonanza, raising money for Wales Air Ambulance charity and Children’s Liver Disease Foundation on JustGiving
