Members of the public in Stoke-on-Trent are being invited to get their liver checked in Stafford on Friday, 14th June, and in Hanley on Saturday, 15th June, with the arrival of the mobile screening unit.
People can go along to the following events from 10am to 4pm to find out what preventative measures they can take to keep their liver healthy and be offered a free liver scan.
- Stafford: Queens Shopping Park, Old Rickerscote Lane, ST17 4SU – Friday, 14th June 2024
- Hanley: Festival Retail Park, Ridgehouse Drive, ST1 5SJ – Saturday, 15th June 2024
Nine in 10 cases of liver disease are preventable with the main causes being alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis.
The roadshows in Stafford and Hanley hold special significance mark a poignant milestone as they are being funded by a generous five-year gift from Dr Alison Brind, a committed hepatologist, made before she sadly passed away in April this year.
Dr Brind was a passionate advocate for liver health, dedicating her life to raising awareness and supporting liver patients in Stoke and beyond. After funding the Love Your Liver roadshow in Stoke last year, she was so delighted with its success in raising awareness and identifying people at risk that she decided to fund it for another five years.
Pamela Healy OBE, Chief Executive of British Liver Trust, said “Dr Brind’s unwavering commitment and profound impact on the liver community continue to inspire us. We are honoured to celebrate her life and contributions through this event, ensuring her dedication to liver health continues. She will never be forgotten.”
One in ten adults in Stoke-on-Trent may be walking around with liver disease and be completely unaware because there are usually no symptoms in the early stages, warns the British Liver Trust.
Pamela Healy, continues, “One in three of us are at risk of liver disease and the numbers of people being diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate. Liver damage develops silently with no signs or symptoms and people often don’t realise they have a problem until it is too late. Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left until symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible.
“The Love Your Liver roadshow is a great opportunity for people to find out their risk of liver disease. Approximately 10% of the people we scan need to have further checks.”
The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign focuses on three simple steps to Love Your Liver back to health:
1. Drink within recommended limits and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week
2. Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat, and take more exercise
3. Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk
The roadshow comprises a mobile unit where people can take a free online screening test and find out if they are at risk. Free liver health scanning will also be available using a non-invasive device. There will be expert guidance on how to keep your liver healthy from healthcare professionals who will be on hand to provide advice on diet, exercise and healthy living.
If you can’t attend this event you can still find out if you are at risk and check your liver health online by doing the online screening test at https://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/screener
