Sister's marathon effort as brother awaits transplant in battle with rare disease

A NORTHWICH woman will run the London Marathon for a charity close to her heart.

Ella Cooper will join thousands of runners in the capital this weekend as she looks to raise money for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The charity has played a key part in her brother Kieran’s life after he was born with biliary atresia - a rare liver disease that affects one in around 15,000 children.

He had to undergo a transplant when he was just 11 months old and now, 21 years later, he is in need of a second.

Ella, 25, said: “I was only three at the time but I know that CLDF were a huge help to my parents.

“They helped them find accommodation every time Kieran was admitted to hospital in Birmingham, they put them in touch with sources of possible financial support, they gave me a book to help me understand what was happening and provided so much information about this rare disease and what the transplant meant for Kieran.”

Ella was just three-years-old when her baby brother Kieran underwent a liver transplant (Image: Supplied)

She added: “Following the surgery, Kieran, who is now 22, continued to have regular medical checks but was doing really well until last year when due to continued portal hypertension and varices (enlarged veins in the oesophagus) we were informed that we will need a second transplant and he is now on the waiting list.

“Having to go through all of this again has been really difficult and has made me realise how very tough it must have been for my parents when Kieran and I were so young.

“So it feels like now is the time to repay CLDF for being there for my family the first time round and to ensure that they can continue to be there for other families when they need it most.”

The London Marathon takes place on Sunday (April 21) and will see a host of famous faces take part, including comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Ted Lasso star Phil Dunster, former Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston and EastEnders duo Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick.

Nerves are creeping up as the big day draws near but Ella has been given a boost after smashing her fundraising target, having received £2,352 in donations so far.

“I thought the London Marathon would be a good fundraiser because for me it really does represent a challenge,” Ella said.

“I only started running during lockdown, struggled to get into it when I moved to London, and before starting training for this, had never run more than 10k!

“So I’m nervous and excited at the same time.

“Training has been tough but I know that I’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment once I’ve achieved this, it will be worth it.

“My family are really proud of me for raising money for something which is so close to all our hearts, and I’ve no doubt plenty of tears will be shed once I’ve crossed that finish line!”

Ella and Kieran Cooper (Image: Supplied)

Michelle Wilkins, head of services at CLDF, added: “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.

"In order to do this, however, we rely on voluntary donations, so we are delighted that Ella has chosen to run her first marathon for us. What a wonderful way to show support for her brother. We hope she thoroughly enjoys the experience and we’ll be there to cheer her on.”

To donate to Ella's London Marathon challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/page/ellacooper.