I am a postdoctoral scientist at the University of Birmingham and the focus of my research over the last 10 years has been to explore how immune cells drive chronic liver diseases and liver cancer. In September 2020, my wife suddenly became very ill, was hospitalised and, in a cruel twist of irony, was subsequently diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). AIH is a chronic (often lifelong) condition in which the body's own immune cells attack the cells of the liver and, if it remains undetected over a number of years, can cause irreparable damage, leading to the need for a liver transplant. Luckily, my wife presented with symptoms unusually early (diagnosis usually occurs in women in their 40s or 50s) and her condition is currently very well managed with immunosuppressive medication and her liver is relatively normal. However, I realise that things could have been very different for us as an old University friend sadly passed away earlier this year after several months of struggling with AIH; he was just 32 years old.  

I am not a natural athlete, but in June 2020, during the first lockdown, I took up running and have since become obsessed with it, entering a number of 10K and half marathon events to date. Currently, I am training to run the Yorkshire Marathon in October 2022, which will be my first ever marathon. I am taking on this challenge for the British Liver Trust because their work means so much to me, on both a professional and personal level. 

The British Liver Trust reaches and supports thousands affected by, and at risk of, liver disease and liver cancer. They provide incredible support and information through their nurse-led Helpline, support groups, publications and online forum. The charity raises awareness of the causes of liver disease, providing free liver scans on their 'Love Your Liver' roadshows and they also campaign for early diagnosis, better care and treatment for everyone affected. 

Please help to support the charity's work by sponsoring me. The more people that know about the British Liver Trust, the greater their impact, so please spread the word by sharing this page with all your friends and family and your networks. 

Thank you for your support, it really does mean a lot to me.

Dan x