I am running this marathon in memory of my beloved Mum, Pauline Benford who passed away at the age of 72 due to alcohol related Cirrhosis. I am passionate about this charity and really want to raise awareness, please read my story if you can spare a few minutes and if you would be kind enough to share or sponsor me I would be forever grateful. 

Mum aka Agent P was admitted to hospital on 24^th June
2021 with slight breathing difficulties, she was kept in overnight for monitoring but then she was transferred to cardiology and prescribed blood thinners. These blood thinners caused a GI bleed which caused her liver to go into decomposition and within a week our Mum went from being fully independent
living a normal life, to  then being admitted to hospital with a minor problem, to not knowing who her family were and totally losing her independence, her mind and her identity. 

We first heard the words Hepatic Encephalopathy on 4^th July 2021, 2 days later Mum fell into a coma, was then put on a ventilator and sedated and moved to intensive care.  Over the next 9 days only me and my sister were allowed to visit but on separate  days and only for 1 hour due to COVID regulations, this was such a hard 9 days without our loved ones to support us willing her to wake up with the very little time we were allowed. On the 13th July my sister and myself had to make the devastating decision along with the Drs to withdraw her ventilation and within hours of this happening our Mum sadly passed away with myself and my sister Nina by her side holding her hands. 

Why did this happen .........

Mum had loved a glass of wine for as long as I remember, never spirits just a nice glass of white wine but she had a great career working  for Hampshire constabulary and over the years used to love hosting diner parties with her friends. 

When mum retired and moved house following her divorce her drinking became more apparent and the odd glass became more frequent. Mum could be very snappy and argumentative which put a strain on our relationship. In roughly 2016 I anonymously informed her GP my concerns with her alcohol intake which led to her diagnosis of Cirrhosis of the liver, she was told she must stop drinking altogether, which she did and we were so very proud of her.  Mine and my sister Nina’s relationship really improved with Mum and she became a much happier person, was loving, fun and loving life, she volunteered a couple of times a week at a homeless shelter and once a week at the hospital. Things were great and Mum had a new lease of life. 

After around 3 years the alcohol started creeping back
in with the odd can of pink gin or a low alcohol wine, she was in total denial and this caused so much heartbreak and anger for myself, my sister and our families. The last 6 months of Mums life her behaviour was intermittent and she could say some very hurtful and nasty things, her memory seemed to be going and she was losing comprehension of simple tasks, we put this down to alcohol and Mum being difficult. We now know these are the early signs of HE

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) refers to changes in the brain that occur in patients with advanced, acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) liver disease. It is one of the major complications of cirrhosis. It can occur suddenly in people with acute liver failure but is more often seen in those with chronic liver disease.

During my training I hope to raise awareness of all things liver related especially HE and Alcohol related cirrhosis and spread the word LOVE YOUR LIVER. In the days after Mums passing I turned to The British liver trust website to educate myself and read others stories and connect with people who understood, this helped me so much and I know it will help others in the future. 

People should not be judged, embarrassed or ashamed alcoholism is an illness. 

Lets educate people to get help before its too late. 

Mum would think I am an absolute loon for doing this and I know her words would be ' don't be so ridiculous angel wings ' but I'm sure she will be up there cheering me on and getting me over that line. 

I would like to thank all at Hatch Warren Runners, I joined them about 6 weeks before mum was admitted to hospital and they have kept my mind focused since with our running group , it has really helped me manage my grief and they will help me get this marathon complete by supporting me with my training. 

Big shout out to all my family for putting up with non stop marathon talk, early nights and basically no life while I train 😂

Thank you for reading my story and your support.

Faye xxxx