Primary Sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare immune-mediated liver disease affecting the bile ducts and liver.  PSC support is the only UK patient organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by PSC.

My brother Mark was diagnosed with PSC back in 2018.  I had never heard of it, and although it came as a bit of a shock, I felt reassured by his positive approach to the diagnosis and eagerness to maintain his very active lifestyle.

Over the next few years, both Mark and I enjoyed running and would go out for runs together when we could and he supported me through my first half marathon by staying with me, even though his usual pace was much faster than mine.  There were times that I would notice he seemed to have lost weight or looked unwell, but he would always reassure me that he was fine and just training a lot or working hard and not sleeping too well. 

Fast forward to March this year and Mark became unwell with abdominal pain, jaundice, and general exhaustion.  Investigations showed progression of liver disease, ascites, and oesophageal varices.  He has been prescribed beta blockers to reduce the risk of bleeding which coupled with increased fatigue and pain has affected his activity levels.  He is currently undergoing assessment for liver  transplant. Mark has been really well supported by PSC support with information, advice and support for his mental and emotional wellbeing.

It is difficult when the people you care about most are unwell and there is nothing you can do to make it better.  But I can run the race that we previously ran together to raise money in support of the extremely valuable support, information, education and research provided by PSC support for individuals and their families.

Your donations will help PSC Support to provide much-needed support and information to people affected by PSC. Critically, they'll help PSC Support to fund and drive groundbreaking PSC research, taking us closer and closer to a cure. Every penny counts. Thank you. #LetsBeatPSC