South Woodham Ferrers mum set to run London Marathon

Jennifer Perry, 41, will be running on April 21, in a bid to raise £2,000 for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Her brother Andrew, now 43, was born with the rare condition Alagille syndrome, which causes liver problems as a result of having fewer small bile ducts than normal.

Jennifer said: “Andrew was just a 10-week-old baby with jaundice and itchy skin when he was diagnosed with Alagilles, and only two years old when my parents were told his heart was also affected. I just can’t imagine the worry they went through.

“When he was eight years old, his condition deteriorated to the extent that a liver transplant was his only option. 

“Paediatric liver transplants were much rarer and riskier then than they are now, but my parents had no choice.”

Although Andrew’s body rejected his first transplant, the second proved a success, but his fight did not end there.

Example - Stock image of marathon runners (Image: Pixabay)

Jennifer said: “Shortly after his transplant, he was diagnosed with Pearthe's disease, a crumbling of the ball and socket joint. 

“At age 11 he had another operation but as a result he had one leg longer than the other and had a limp.

“This meant that when he returned to school after missing several months, he was severely bullied even after everything he had been through.

“I know he would have liked to have known about CLDF as I know they help young people in this situation. 

"It would have been good for him to realise he was not alone and to have access to all the resources and support which CLDF provides now.”

Andrew has since had a full hip replacement, more work on his liver, and open heart surgery.

He recently recovered from sepsis and is currently awaiting a kidney transplant.

Jennifer said the London Marathon is something she “always wanted” to do.

She praised her family for their support while she fits in training around work hours.

Jennifer said: “I’m forever proud of Andrew though - he’s the real hero. 

 “Although it would be great to achieve a time I’m proud of, I don’t underestimate what a challenge the marathon will be. 

“My main motivation is to run for a charity which is so personal to me.

"That’s what’s driving me on and I’m honoured to do that. I just hope I can raise as much money as possible.” 

Michelle Wilkins, of the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, said: “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 that Jennifer has chosen to run her first London Marathon for us. 

“She is right – Andrew is a hero and it’s wonderful that she is acknowledging that in this way. We wish her all the best and will be there to cheer her on.”

You can support Jennifer by going to Children's Liver Disease Foundation: Jennifer's page (enthuse.com).