I’m not sure 14-year-old me who used to fake being sick to get out of running 800m in PE class would believe this, but I’m excited (and scared!!) to share that in July I’ll be running the Gold Coast Marathon.

This weekend, my housemate Alicia and I will hit the halfway point of our training plan, marking this by running the Newcastle Half Marathon. Considering less than two years ago I wasn’t able to run 5 minutes without stopping, this feels crazy in itself!

Every long run and every gym session trying to save my knees (arguably the worst part) is fuelled by the knowledge that through doing this, I’ll be able to raise funds for the PBC foundation.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that impacts those living with it every single day. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers, and contrasting many other types of liver disease has no link to alcohol. The PBC foundation is a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart, as it’s a disease my mum is living with. Her diagnosis took many years, seeing three consultants and multiple misdiagnoses along the way. I’m hoping that by raising awareness and funds, experiences like hers can become far less common in the future.

There’s currently no cure for PBC, we’re lucky that Mum is responding well to second-line treatment after first-line treatment stopped working - treatments that exist thanks to the research, funding, and advocacy supported by the PBC Foundation.

Every donation goes directly toward vital support, resources, and ongoing research for people affected by PBC. If you’re able to contribute, even a small amount, it would mean so much. And honestly, it might just make the potential loss of a few toenails slightly easier to accept 😅

Thank you for your support 🤍

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