29/05/2026
"I was at the back of the queue when it came to handing out good health, but it’s made me appreciate my life more."
Growing up, Carol followed her dreams all the way to Barcelona, refusing to let early diagnoses of Type 1 diabetes and Ulcerative Colitis slow her down. But at 28, a new diagnosis shifted her world: primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
For years, Carol admits she lived in complete denial. She ignored the reality of PSC, married the love of her life, and started a family. It wasn't until her son was born that the reality of this rare liver disease truly hit her. "My world came crashing down - I didn’t want to die. I needed to be here for my son."
While Carol still navigates the physical and mental hurdles of a chronic illness, she is thriving, counting her blessings, and living life to the absolute fullest.
Carol’s fundraising journey began with raising almost £10,000 (£9,631 to be precise!) when she ran the Manchester Marathon in 2022, proving that crazy dreams (like running a marathon) are possible even with PSC. “I am so proud that I managed to raise that amount on my own.” She also became the incredible driving force behind our 20K Your Way Challenge, mobilising nearly 100 community members to raise over £25,000 for PSC Support!
"Stay as positive as you can, enjoy your good days to the maximum, but know when to listen to your body and slow down when you need to. Life is for living."
👉 If you want to share your story like Carol, please get in touch [email protected]
