MAY was a marathon month for two young Corsham lads who completed a 26.2-mile triathlon to raise money for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation.

Troy Parfitt, 12, of Katherine Park and his friend William Armstrong, 12, from Biddestone, ran, cycled and dog-walked a marathon to raise money for the charity which is very important to Troy, who was born with a rare liver condition.

“Troy was just 11 weeks old when he was diagnosed with alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency,” Troy’s mum Catherine explained. “It was a very worrying time.”

“Troy lost a significant amount of weight during his first weeks and was jaundiced, it was terrifying.

“We knew nothing about liver disease in children but on a trip to see the professor at Birmingham Children’s Hospital we met a member of the CLDF team.

“They were great and made us feel as though we were not alone.

“Alpha 1 is a genetic condition which is treatable, but not curable and over the years, the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation have given us information to help us understand Troy’s current and long-term needs.

“Troy’s long-term health is not known but he is monitored and scanned regularly.

“He has suffered with pneumonia twice and hepatitis as well as repeated bouts of anaemia.

“He does not complain but enjoys all the activities he can and lives life to the full.”

Troy decided that he wanted to do something himself to raise at least £200 for the charity and chose to do the My May Marathon, where you complete a marathon in your own time during the month of May.

So far he has raised over £1,000.

He said: “I want to support this charity because I don’t know how much I will need them in the future so thought I would raise funds now while I can.

“My friend William said he would do it with me, which made it fun. William knows about the Alpha 1 and has never treated me differently. On days when we couldn’t complete the whole challenge together we kept in touch on social media and encouraged each other

“It’s been great fun and I hope to raise more for CLDF in the future.

“It was painful, but I was never going to give up.

“I was amazed at how generous people were, so I really wanted to complete the challenge for them to show my appreciation.”

Mrs Parfitt added: “I am hugely proud of him. He had hepatitis for 15 months and he couldn’t run about and do fun stuff so I am even more proud of the progress he has made.

“I am also proud of William because Troy messaged him asking to sponsor him and William said ‘better than that I will do it with you’ which I thought was sweet.”

Alison Taylor, chief executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation said: “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 almost entirely on voluntary donations, so we are delighted to hear that Troy and William have completed this month-long challenge and really grateful for the funds they have raised.

“They should be really proud of themselves for making a difference to young people with liver disease throughout the UK.”

To donate, visit: https://mmm.everydayhero.com/uk/liver-disease-foundation-marathon