Claire Massey
Claire's page
Fundraising for British Liver Trust
Story
I have secured a place in The Virgin London Marathon (which takes place on Sunday 26th April) and decided to fundraise on behalf of The British Liver Trust; a charity that is very close to my heart. This will be my first marathon.
So, why have I decided to do this?
When I was 16 years old, I became very poorly. I was bed ridden for several months whilst investigations took place to determine what was wrong. My liver enzymes were in the thousands (the normal range should be around 35), I was jaundice and incredibly poorly. Several months later I was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness called Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH).
AIH, is a chronic, usually lifelong liver condition. It is an autoimmune disorder; this means your body’s immune system (the body’s defence against illness) attacks your body’s own cells. Fortunately, I responded incredibly well to medication (steroids and immunosuppressants) and within 12 months I was fit and able to enrol at college and continue my education.
Fast forward 20 years to today and my biggest daily struggle is fatigue. I have endured 3 relapses, my most recent of which was May 2018. I feel blessed that each time, I have relapsed, I have responded to medication and thankfully within 6-12 months, my liver function test has settled back within the normal range. I am aware that so many with my condition are not as fortunate as I am. My condition is rare (It is estimated to affect between 10 and 17 people per 100,000) and treatment, which isn’t successful for all, was only identified in the 1970’s and is only used to manage the condition; sadly, there is no cure!
This is why the British Liver Trust is so important to me and so many others. They provided my parents with support and information at a time that must have been extremely distressing for them and they continue to research into AIH (and other liver conditions) and provide exceptional support. It feels only right that overcoming such hard times with my health and responding as well as I have done to treatment that I do my bit to help others and fundraise on behalf on The British Liver Trust.
I am extremely grateful for your support and would like to thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Much love
Claire xx
There are over 100 types of liver condition; some are very rare and many can't be prevented. 20% of the population is at risk of liver disease. There are many causes people don’t know about - it is completely misunderstood. The British Liver Trust supports patients and families, provides advice and information and works with doctors, nurses and other charities to improve patient care. We raise awareness of how to look after your liver, and we campaign for better diagnosis and more research. Thank you for your sponsorship.
So, why have I decided to do this?
When I was 16 years old, I became very poorly. I was bed ridden for several months whilst investigations took place to determine what was wrong. My liver enzymes were in the thousands (the normal range should be around 35), I was jaundice and incredibly poorly. Several months later I was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness called Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH).
AIH, is a chronic, usually lifelong liver condition. It is an autoimmune disorder; this means your body’s immune system (the body’s defence against illness) attacks your body’s own cells. Fortunately, I responded incredibly well to medication (steroids and immunosuppressants) and within 12 months I was fit and able to enrol at college and continue my education.
Fast forward 20 years to today and my biggest daily struggle is fatigue. I have endured 3 relapses, my most recent of which was May 2018. I feel blessed that each time, I have relapsed, I have responded to medication and thankfully within 6-12 months, my liver function test has settled back within the normal range. I am aware that so many with my condition are not as fortunate as I am. My condition is rare (It is estimated to affect between 10 and 17 people per 100,000) and treatment, which isn’t successful for all, was only identified in the 1970’s and is only used to manage the condition; sadly, there is no cure!
This is why the British Liver Trust is so important to me and so many others. They provided my parents with support and information at a time that must have been extremely distressing for them and they continue to research into AIH (and other liver conditions) and provide exceptional support. It feels only right that overcoming such hard times with my health and responding as well as I have done to treatment that I do my bit to help others and fundraise on behalf on The British Liver Trust.
I am extremely grateful for your support and would like to thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Much love
Claire xx
There are over 100 types of liver condition; some are very rare and many can't be prevented. 20% of the population is at risk of liver disease. There are many causes people don’t know about - it is completely misunderstood. The British Liver Trust supports patients and families, provides advice and information and works with doctors, nurses and other charities to improve patient care. We raise awareness of how to look after your liver, and we campaign for better diagnosis and more research. Thank you for your sponsorship.