Will you take on the Leg it for Liver challenge?

Posted on: 10th April 2021

Last year many of our wonderful supporters took on their own virtual challenges in their homes and gardens to raise funds for better liver health. Virtual events have now taken the place of mass participation events, such as the Great North Run and London Marathon.

Yet during the first lockdown of 2020, a survey we did revealed that 4 out of 10 people in the UK had gained weight, due to an increase in consumption of sugary and processed foods for comfort. The closure of gyms, social distancing and shielding measures also affected our exercise routines.

We all know that alcohol is one major preventable cause of liver disease, but it’s less commonly known that poor diet and a lack of exercise can also cause liver damage.

If left untreated, this can lead to serious complications for the liver.

It’s vital to keep moving, so we are encouraging you to continue legging it for liver health with your own virtual challenge – run, walk or cycle your way through May! You can choose your own distance, in your own time and own place.

British Liver Trust supporter Melanie (pictured) took part in our last Leg it for Liver challenge in October. Melanie was diagnosed with stage 3 liver fibrosis at the beginning of lockdown.

She stopped drinking alcohol, became vegetarian and took up running. She now runs 5k twice a week, is currently building up to three runs a week and has lost over a stone in weight. Her latest liver function tests have hugely improved and her energy levels have soared.

She says: “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 for the last 18 months. I’ve signed up for parkrun every Saturday when it returns after lockdown”

It doesn’t matter if this is your first time doing your chosen exercise, or 100th; whether your personal goal is 26.2 miles across the month, or 2.6km– feel good about completing a distance that’s achievable but challenging for you.

Sign up and receive your free welcome pack, which includes top tips for exercising and a record card. If you fill and send your record card as proof of completion you will receive your very own Leg it for Liver medal.

Good luck!