In November, we proudly showcased our Love Your Liver unit at the Lord Mayor’s Show in central London, helping to raise awareness of liver health among the crowds of spectators lining the streets and the millions watching the televised broadcast.
The Trust’s Love Your Liver unit was one of 50 decorated floats to make its way through the streets of London in the ceremonial procession, which also included marching bands and lively entertainment. The outside of the unit, which features important messages and photos about liver health, was led by a giant liver and surrounded by supporters, volunteers and liver patients who have benefitted from the charity’s support.
The Lord Mayor’s Show is one of the world’s oldest annual ceremonial events, dating back to the early 13th century and marks the Mayor’s journey to officially pledge allegiance to the monarch. This year’s show welcomed the 696th Lord Mayor of London Alderman, Alastair King, who is also the chairman of the British Liver Trust.
Pamela Healy, OBE, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust said: “It was an honour for the British Liver Trust to be part of the Lord Mayor’s Show for the first time and to celebrate our chairman’s appointment to such an important and historic role. It was also a great opportunity to raise awareness of liver disease among so many spectators and heartening to see them clap and cheer when they saw the Love Your Liver unit.”
I hope the Lord Mayor’s Show made everyone want to find out more about the British Liver Trust
The event brought together patients from across the UK, each with a unique story to tell. Rebecca Judge, a marathon walker and mum of twins who lives with primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis, travelled from Norfolk to be part of the show. She said: “The Lord Mayor’s Show was absolutely amazing and it was an honour to represent the British Liver Trust at such an important event and help to raise awareness. The NHS definitely needs to fund liver disease more because there are very few liver specialists in Norfolk. That’s why supporting the British Liver Trust is really important to me and I hope the Lord Mayor’s Show made everyone want to find out more about the Trust.” 
Louis Smith, diagnosed with Biliary Atresia at birth, also joined the procession. Reflecting on the day, he said: Louis said: “It really was an honour to be a part of such a historic and traditional ceremony. The team of us who were representing the British Liver Trust felt such a great sense of pride and excitement in showcasing our cause.
“The spectators were incredible! To be seen nationally on the BBC was a great privilege for us all and gaining that level of exposure was a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of the Trust. Because we were such a diverse group, I felt the spectators really understood that liver disease affects both young and old from all walks of life.”
Paul Cherry who underwent a liver transplant in 2023, found the day deeply moving. He said: “The British Liver Trust has been a great help to me and being part of the Lord Mayor’s Show was the chance of a lifetime. The crowd and the atmosphere were brilliant. People were shouting ‘Well done!’ and ‘Congratulations’ as we walked past and it gave the Trust such a boost. I was so proud to be part of it that I made a £100 donation to the charity.”
Find out more about the Love Your Liver unit
