On the 24th April 2026 I will have been the recipient of a liver transplant for 25 years. Just that sentence blows my mind and brings me to tears.

I have seen so much in that time not least, my three kids grow up and sadly friends become ill, grow old and die. I have held babies and listened to people's deepest fears which are both great privileges. And perhaps best of all, I found a way to use all my experiences to support others find a life that fits them better.

Life hasn't been easily, but it has been a life, a second chance. I will forever been indebted to my transplant family over in Enniskillen, Ireland who gifted me a chance of these years. To the medics, nursing and transport staff that turned that gift into a life. To the researches that keep finding ways to combat diseases. To the family and friends that have stood by Rachel, the kids and me, and I know, will continue to do so in the challenges ahead. So I am raising money to give others the opportunity to receive some of the support that I have.

Illness and years have taken a toll on my body but I can still swim, and indeed, I need to keep swimming to keep the joints moving! Why 50km? Well, it is roughly a kilometre a week which seems a fitting standard of maintenance at this age, and it is also well over the road marathon distance. I would like to say I will do 100km over the year, but you know, life is too short, and my mathematical mind wants to hit 100%.

Update 26/01/26:

It turns out that I have already covered enough distance that if I carry on at this rate, I will hit the 100km mark. So I've change my mind and upped my target making it 2km per week over the year.

The British Liver Trust and Children’s Liver Disease Foundation are the only UK charity for children, young people and adults affected by all liver conditions. Our helpline and support services help thousands of people every year, and we campaign to raise awareness of all liver diseases. Thank you for your support, and please don’t forget to Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer.