A FATHER will run the London Marathon raising money for a charity which helped his son survive a live-threatening liver disease.

Stuart Clarke from Burmington near Shipston will run the marathon for the third time for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The charity has been important to him since his eldest son Robert Clarke, now nine, was diagnosed with the rare and life threatening liver disease, biliary atresia, when he was just a few weeks old.

Mr Clarke said: "Happily Robert is doing well now thanks to early corrective surgery and regular medical checks.

"But in those early days after he was first diagnosed, we were just anxious to find out all we could about his condition and its implications and that’s where CLDF were a tremendous help to us.

"Even now, we know that whenever we need information or simply need someone to talk to they are there for us and will be there for Robert as he grows up.

"We’ve also been to some of their family events and met other parents in the same situation, which has really helped us.

"Another aspect which is important to us is the research which CLDF help fund.

"Childhood liver disease is a lifelong condition. There is still no cure so it’s vital that this work continues."

Mr Clarke hopes to raise £2,000 when he completes the run on Sunday April 23.

Eighty five percent of all children who have biliary atresia will need to have a liver transplant before they are 20 years old.

Alison Taylor, CLDF Chief Executive, added: "We are the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all forms of childhood liver disease which we do by providing information to healthcare professionals, emotional support for families, funds for research and a voice for all those affected.

"We rely entirely on voluntary donations so we are delighted that Stuart has decided to do the London Marathon one last time for us and we shall be there on the day to cheer him on."

People can support Stuart in the London Marathon by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Stuart-Clarke46.

For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org