Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus that is transmitted through blood to blood contact and attacks the cells of the liver. It is a serious and often debilitating disease that causes progressive damage to the liver potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Probably half a million people in the have hepatitis C but only 1 in 10 people are aware that they have it.  If hepatitis C is diagnosed early enough, treatment and/or lifestyle changes can stop, slow down or even reverse liver damage so it is vital for people to get tested if they think they have been at risk. For more information see www.hepctrust.org.uk  

I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 2005:  

I took time to read about treatment options and, after being seen by a couple of different doctors, was referred to a specialist nurse based in the South West of England.  Following excellent support and advice from the specialist nurse and after much consideration weighing up the pros and cons, I started treatment in December 2006.    

 

It took a while for me to settle into the treatment, which required a lot of commitment and flexibility to respond to the exhausting and difficult effects of taking the medication.  I was encouraged to maintain a balance between making allowances for the side effects of treatment and trying to stay as physically and mentally fit as possible.   

I learnt that it takes guts to stick to treatment when some days a natural activity was hard work, like walking through glue.
One thing that kept me focused and mentally fit was knowing that there was light at the end of the tunnel, for me that was the possibility of a clear Hep C test at the end of treatment. I eventually was tested as being clear from the virus.

I feel thankful of the support I received from The Hepatitis C Trust, weather that be from the wed site or the calls I made. 

If anyone would like to support my efforts in running the Langdale, Loch Ness and Snowdon Marathons by donating some money to The Hepatitis C Trust, I would be very grateful indeed.  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. If you would like to help just follow the link on this page

·             Langdale Marathon            Saturday 22 September 2012

               www.greatlangdaleroadraces.co.uk

·             Loch Ness Marathon           Sunday   30 September 2012

              www.lochnessmarathon.com

              Snowdonia Marathon         Saturday 27  October 2012

              www.snowdoniamarathon.com