Dalton dad Glen goes the extra mile for children’s charity

Sep 18 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Dalton dad Glen goes the extra mile for children’s charity

DALTON dad Glen McMath is donning his trainers to support a cause close to his heart.

The 34-year-old is running the Great North Run for a charity which helped his son Owen when he was diagnosed with a rare liver disease as a baby.

He and wife Nikki fought hard through several tough months as Owen battled the disease.

Now Owen is a healthy nine-year-old and Glen is running the half marathon for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, who supported the family through difficult times.

Mr McMath, a vice-chair school governor and full-time dad, said: “When Owen was diagnosed with a form of liver disease nine years ago we had some tough months.

“We were supported throughout by CLDF and I decided that I wanted to try to do something to raise awareness and some money for the national charity fighting this terrible disease in children.

“I have never done anything like this before so hopefully the training will prepare me, although nothing could be as tough as watching Owen struggle to survive.”

Owen was diagnosed with Alagille’s syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the liver.

Owen’s mum Nikki, who works for a Huddersfield publishing firm, said: “Owen was born with the disease – I knew straightaway there was something wrong with him.

“Thankfully now he is able to enjoy school, play football and take part in activities most other children do. He’s just got to be that extra bit careful.

“Glen wanted to run the Great North Run for the charity who helped us – it’s a way of giving something back to them.”

The couple have two other children, Eden, aged seven, and two-year-old Quinn.

Mr McMath will run the half marathon on October 5.

To sponsor him visit www.justgiv ing.com/glenmcmath