Delores McPherson of East Ham not only persuaded eight people to climb Snowdon with her last month, but raised almost £2000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) in the process. The charity means a lot to Delores and her family as her 22 year old son, Keiran, has a rare liver disease and was placed on the waiting list for a liver transplant just two months ago.

“We’ve been receiving information and support from CLDF ever since Keiran was diagnosed with autoimmune liver disease seven years’ ago,” says Delores. “Three years after that, he was diagnosed with colitis. Since both these diagnoses, I would describe our lives as a whirlwind of distressing and upsetting times, but Keiran has still managed to hold a job down and remain positive.

“In recent months, however, his health has deteriorated. His consultant has advised that his liver disease has now become chronic and he needs to be listed for transplant. This news came as a big shock to both of us as this was not part of our plan.

“Climbing Snowdon is something I have always wanted to do, so the time seemed right to do this for CLDF as they support young people in Keiran’s situation throughout the UK.”

So Delores persuaded her sister Lorraine, niece Danika and six other friends to climb Wales’ highest peak and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“It was amazing,” says Delores. “We somehow managed to pick a lovely sunny day which meant that the climb to the top was really worthwhile because of the amazing views. And it was heartening to see that when other walkers realised what we were doing and why, they gave us donations. Our target was to raise £500 but our total is currently £1943 so I’m sure we can double our original target. I’m now busy planning more fundraising treks for next year!”

Keiran added ‘I’m glad everyone doing the walk had a great time. It’s an awesome thing they did and I’m grateful they supported the charity in this way. I love them all.”

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “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 to hear what Delores has achieved and so pleased it was a great experience for them all.”

You can still support Delores’ Snowdon climb by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/delores-mcpherson1