Melanie's story
Melanie was diagnosed with advanced (stage 3) fibrosis at the beginning of the first lockdown of 2020, and has participated in Leg it for Liver for the last two years. After her diagnosis, Melanie stopped drinking alcohol, became vegetarian and took up running twice a week. As a result, Melanie lost over a stone in weight, improved her liver blood tests and her energy levels.
I’m actually glad I was diagnosed with liver fibrosis as it was the push I needed to get healthier and fitter, I didn’t realise how tired and unwell I had felt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Leg it for Liver challenge?
Run, walk or cycle your way through June, by choosing your own distance, in your own time and own place. You could:
- Run a marathon in a month on your treadmill
- Walk 10, 000 steps a day for 3o days in your local park
- Cycle 100km a week at the gym
Or if you’re feeling really brave, set goals to run, walk and cycle over the course of June.
Whatever your goal, take part in Leg it for Liver and you’ll not only improve your health and wellbeing, but also raise funds for better liver health at the same time – what could be more rewarding than that?
Do I have to take part every day in June?
No – the beauty of this challenge is that you’re in control of your own goal. You can complete your chosen distance in one session, or break it down into a session every other day, or a session a week.
As long as you have completed your goal by 30th June, we don’t mind how you break it down.
Can I take part with family and friends?
Yes! Exercising with loved ones is a great motivator, you could even set a team goal!
Don’t forget to share your progress on social media with loved ones and tag us – @LiverTrust and #LegItForLiver.
What should my fundraising goal be?
You can set your own fundraising goal, but here are some suggestions…
Raise £500 to fund one day of our patient and family helpline
Raise £262 - £10 for every mile or tenth of a kilometre or mile that you do to make up your marathon, 2.6km or 2.6 mile distance target
Raise £300 – An estimated 1 in 3 people have early-stage non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 33%. Could you raise £300 to help us lessen these numbers?
What will I receive in my fundraising pack?
Your pack will include:
- A British Liver Trust t shirt
- A sign to personalise and pin to your t shirt
- Our diet and exercise tips
- Sponsor form
- Collecting box
- A record card
How can I record and send proof of my challenge?
You can either use the record card provided, or join a fitness tracking app such as Strava.
Strava users will be able to link their app to their online fundraising page so that every session can be automatically shared to your page.
If you cannot link your app to your online page, you can save and add screenshots instead.
Please upload any photos of your record card or fitness tracking apps to your online page, or email them to fundraising@britishlivertrust.org.uk for proof of completion.
When will I receive my medal?
Medals will be sent out after the challenge is over in July.
Good Luck!