Louise McQuaid is heading to Manchester this weekend to run the Adidas Manchester Marathon for a cause very close to her heart. The 36-year-old physiotherapist, who comes from Dunblane and now lives in Glasgow, is aiming to raise as much as she can for the British Liver Trust, having been inspired by the experience of her friend, Lisa.
“My remarkable friend, Lisa, has faced incredible challenges with unwavering strength and positivity,” explains Louise. “Sixteen years ago, whilst studying abroad, she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. Over the years her health deteriorated, and she underwent a liver transplant in February 2025, just five weeks before she was due to get married. Tragically after a brief recovery period, she learned that the transplant had not been successful and she was placed back on the waiting list for another liver. After almost a year, Lisa got the call she had been waiting for, and her second transplant took place in January. Thankfully all the signs are that this one has been a success.
“Throughout everything she has been through, Lisa continues to shine brightly in the lives of all who love her. She is dedicated to raising awareness about liver disease and sharing her journey to help others facing similar struggles. Through Lisa’s experience I have learned about the work of the British Liver Trust and the support they provide for people affected by liver disease. As Lisa was my favourite running buddy before her health deteriorated, running a marathon for a cause close to her heart seems like the perfect way to show my support, and I’m delighted to be doing the Manchester Marathon this weekend. Each step I run, I will run it for her!”
Dan Painter Public Fundraising Manager at British Liver Trust commented: “As a charity, we are leading the fight against liver disease and liver cancer. We reach over two million people each year; providing information and support to patients and families and providing vital advice to help people improve their liver health. But there is still so much to be done. Liver disease is the only major disease in the UK where death rates are rising, and we want to change that. We’re delighted to hear that Lisa is doing well and so grateful to Louise for taking on the Manchester Marathon in support of her. We wish her all the best for the day.”
You can support Louise’s Manchester Marathon challenge at Louise McQuaid is fundraising for British Liver Trust
