BROMSGROVE’S Kyra Collins will be raising money for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) when she takes on the London Marathon this Sunday.
The 41-year-old found out about CLDF when her friend’s 10-year-old daughter Imogen was born with a rare liver disease, and when she was just four months old she needed a life-saving transplant.
Kyra has raised £3,500 for the charity so far, meeting her fund-raising target.
She said: “To see your friends go through this, face the agonising wait for a donor, knowing that if they are lucky enough to receive a new liver, the journey is far from over – there are no words to do it justice”.
“Happily, Imogen’s transplant was a success, she’s doing incredibly well, she takes her anti-rejection medication every day and continues to amaze us with her bubbly personality and unwavering energy.
“Her parents, Kate and Julian, can’t praise CLDF enough, the charity has been there for them from the start, providing invaluable information and support.
“There is no cure for children’s liver disease so it’s vital that everyone affected has that support and can meet other families who are dealing with it.”
Kyra had originally planned to compete in the London Marathon for the charity back in 2020, but due to the pandemic had to complete it virtually.
The pandemic has resulted in CLDF losing staff, funds and resources, so Kyra has increased her fund-raising target to give them extra support.
And Imogen and her mum have joined Kyra in some of her open-water swimming training.
“I admit I’m feeling a bit nervous as the big day approaches as I know it will be tough but it’s nothing compared to the challenges which Imogen and her parents have been through.
“I feel I’ve waited such a long time for this, I know I’ll cry when I cross that finish line – I’m just determined to do everyone proud.”
The CLDF is the only British charity that tackles all childhood liver diseases and provides information, emotional support and funds for research.
Their chief executive Rebecca Cooper added: “We are delighted and so grateful that Kyra is doing the London Marathon for us.
“It’s a huge commitment in terms of training and fundraising so we hope her first London Marathon is a wonderful experience and wish her all the best for the day.”
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kyra-collins1 to donate to Kyra.
