Tom Ward
The Dotathon 2014/15
Fundraising for The PBC Foundation
Story
Welcome to The Dotathon!... a fundraising initiative to raise money for the PBC Foundation in memory of the brilliant Dot Ward, who sadly died in March 2014. The Dotathon involves a number of various challenges and events, culminating in Tom's first attempt to tackle a marathon at the London Marathon in 2015. Along the way, Tom and his team of friends and supporters will take part in 10k runs, Half Marathons, and mountain challenges, including the Welsh3000s Challenge in Snowdonia and The Fan Dance in the Brecon Beacons.
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a rare genetic auto-immune disease which affects the liver and damages the bile ducts, leading to scarring/cirrhosis, and can be fatal. Unlike some other forms of liver disease, it is not linked to alcohol or drugs. PBC is estimated to affect one in every 3,000 people; however, the rates in England are higher than in some other parts of the world. It usually affects women (about 90% of all cases)... the reason for this is unknown.There is currently no cure for PBC: end-stage liver disease caused by PBC can only be helped by liver transplantation. However, as PBC is an auto-immune disease, the transplanted organ is re-affected by the disease, requiring constant ongoing medical treatment and further transplantation, which can itself lead to other medical problems developing.
My fantastic mum, Dot Ward, sadly died in March 2014 having suffered from PBC half her adult life. Dot courageously battled her PBC, two liver transplants, subsequent kidney failure (and renal dialysis), diabetes, hepatitis B, osteoporosis and finally severe hepatic encephalopathy (a brain disorder), all of which resulted from the underlying PBC.
Continued research into this disease, which predominantly affects our mums, sisters and daughters, has led to better medical treatment in the last two decades.
As well as providing information and support services to those affected by PBC, the PBC Foundation funds medical research into preventative measures, treatments, and the hope to find a cure for PBC.
Many thanks for your support
Tom and team