Stuart Clarke (36) from Shipston on Stour, whose young son has been diagnosed with an incurable liver disease, successfully completed his first Flora London Marathon on Sunday (13 April) for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF). 

CLDF has provided information and support to Stuart and wife Justine since their son Robert, who will celebrate his first birthday on 26 April, was diagnosed with the liver disease biliary atresia shortly after birth. 

The condition means that the bile ducts become progressively blocked leading to irreversible liver damage.  

Robert underwent a corrective operative when he was nineteen days old and is currently doing well, although he could require a liver transplant in the future if his condition deteriorates.

Stuart was joined in the race by lifelong friend David Tame (39) who also lives in Shipston on Stour.  

Stuart completed the race in a time of 4 hours 51 minutes.  David crossed the finish-line in a time of 3 hours 6 minutes and was the fastest of CLDF’s team of 23 runners. The duo hope to have raised £2,500 for CLDF.

Stuart says; "It was a great experience and the atmosphere was amazing. It was also very special to celebrate the run with other families at CLDF’s post-race reception which emphasised what a difference the money we’ve raised will make. 

"Thousands of children are affected by liver disease through no fault of their own or their parents and CLDF’s support, education and research programmes make a huge difference.  It feels great to have done something to help other children like Robert."

Stratford man Douglas Waddell (43) also ran for CLDF after learning of the charity’s work via a work colleague whose child died from liver disease.

Douglas, who already has twenty marathons under his belt, achieved his target of a sub-4 hr time, completing the race in 3 hours 30 minutes and 38 seconds.  Douglashas raised over £4,000 for the charity.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation said: "Congratulations to Stuart, David and Douglas on their fantastic running efforts on CLDF’s behalf. Every penny raised is urgently needed and will help CLDF to continue its vital family support, education and research programmes. 

"These offer a lifeline to families of the two children diagnosed with liver disease every day in the UKthrough no fault of their own or their parents.  We are extremely grateful for their support."

For more information on CLDF’s work and running the 2009 London marathon for CLDF visit www.childliverdisease.org or call 0121 212 3839.