A MAN is taking on the London Marathon next weekend to raise money for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Richard Wilks, a 42-year-old father-of-two from Blackwood is making his debut on the marathon and is running for his friend’s nephews.

“I found out about Children’s Liver Disease Foundation through my friend Stewart Rowlands, whose nephew, Adam Wise was born with the rare liver disease PFIC,” said Mr Wilks.

“Tragically, despite undergoing a liver transplant in which he received part of Stewart’s liver, Adam died when he was just eight years old.”

Adam’s younger brother Josh was also born with PFIC (Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis) which leads to a build-up of bile in liver cells as people with the condition are less able to secrete bile.

“He [Josh], underwent a liver transplant when he was just 11 months old,” said Mr Wilks. “Happily, Josh’s transplant was a success. He is now two and it is amazing to see the progress he is making.

“CLDF have always been there for the boys’ parents, Sally and Phil, both in terms of giving information about such a rare liver disease and providing support as they went through the difficult process of liver transplant twice.

“Josh’s transplant was particularly tough for the family, both because of everything they had been through with Adam and because the operation took place during the coronavirus lockdown.”

Mr Wilks hopes to raise more than £2,000 during the marathon for the foundation to help with their funding.

He said: “The coronavirus pandemic has also had an adverse effect on the funding that CLDF receives. They rely on voluntary donations and as with other small charities, their income has been significantly reduced over the past year.

“Josh and his family will continue to need their support, as will the many other families who are affected by childhood liver disease.

“So I felt that the London Marathon would be a great opportunity to do something in memory of Adam and raise much-needed funds for CLDF. Training is going well although my legs are getting older and taking longer to get over my weekend rugby refereeing.

“Although I have run two marathons before, I have always wanted to do this one, so I’m really looking forward to the big day and am determined to do Adam and Josh proud.”

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation chief executive, Alison Taylor, said: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected.

“Josh’s parents have been through an incredibly difficult time so it’s wonderful to know that Josh is doing well and that his family have the support of people like Richard who is taking on this challenge in Adam’s memory. What a lovely tribute – we wish him all the best for the day.”

You can support Mr Wilks’ challenge by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-d-wilks79.

For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.