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A 42-year-old father-of-two from Blackwood will be running the London Marathon next month to support the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The charity is close to Richard Wilks’ heart. His friend Stewart lost his eight-year-old nephew Adam Wise, who was born with PFIC – a rare liver disease.

Richard, from Blackwood, said: “Tragically, despite undergoing a liver transplant in which he received part of Stewart’s liver, Adam died when he was just eight-years-old.

“Josh, Adam’s younger brother, was also born with PFIC and he underwent a liver transplant when he was just 11-months-old. Happily, Josh’s transplant was a success. He is now two and it is amazing to see the progress he is making.

“CLDF has 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 a 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.”

The pandemic has hit the charity’s fundraising hard and so Richard decided he wanted to run the marathon on Sunday, October 3 to raise £2,000 to help the charity – a figure he has already exceeded.

He said: “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 it’s 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.”

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of CLDF, said: “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.”

To make a donation to Richard’s fundraiser, visit his JustGiving page.