A PARTIALLY blind Lisburn man overcame his own personal challenges and successfully completed the Great North Run half marathon in Newcastle last Sunday - raising vital funds for Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Fred Young, 34, was moved to raise funds for CLDF, the only organization in the UK dedicated to fighting childhood liver disease, after his niece Danielle 13 was diagnosed with an incurable liver disease in 2005.

Since then Danielle's family, who are from Ballynahinch, has received practical and emotional support from the charity.

Fred said: "I am thrilled to have completed the race and was pleased with my time of 3hrs 19m. All the effort of training over the last few months paid off and there was a fantastic atmosphere on the day with amazing support from the crowd, including a team from CLDF, who were stationed just before the finish line cheering us home."

"There was also a real party atmosphere amongst the runners with everyone chatting and encouraging each other along. In fact, it was so enjoyable I am hoping to take part again next year.

Fred's fundraising is continuing, as he is holding several events this month.

Organising

"My brother Martin and I are also organizing a fun night and disco at Ballynahinch Rugby Club on October 6 from 8pm to late, and a 'night at the races' event in the Blues Club, Sackville Street, Lisburn on October 14 to raise extra funds for CLDE. "We are looking forward to adding all the funds together and presenting a sizeable cheque later in the year. We are hoping to raise at least �1,500," explained Fred.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive at Children's Liver Disease Foundation said: "We would like to congratulate Fred on his fantastic achievement, both in training and on race day on our behalf.

"Few people know that two children are diagnosed with a liver disease each and every day and the money Fred and his sponsors raise will enable us to continue to support the thousands of families affected as well as continuing to research the causes of the 100 or so different childhood liver diseases."

If you would like to add to Fred's Great North Run sponsorship total or would like more information on the fundraising events being organized in aid of CLDF please contact Fred on 07811 213079 or Martin on 07702 755292.

For further information on the work of the Foundation, you can visit www.childliverdisease.org or call 0121 212 3839.

Fred said he would like to thank everyone who has supported him and donated generously.