Camille Manceau, from Paris, is preparing to take on the London Marathon in a unique and eye-catching way – by running the 26.2-mile course dressed as a liver, in a costume lovingly made by his wife together with his mum – a marathon runner herself. The 39-year-old father of three is using the challenge to raise awareness of liver disease, often described as a ‘silent epidemic’ because it can progress with no symptoms until it’s too late.
“I have learned about the importance of liver health through my 18 years working for Echosens, which produces the FibroScan equipment used to detect liver damage,” explains Camille the company’s Commercial Vice President for Europe & Latin America.
“Liver disease is often silent until it becomes serious – that’s why I want to give it a voice,” says Camille. “By running the marathon dressed as a liver, I hope to spark conversations, raise awareness, and encourage more people to understand the importance of liver health. The British Liver Trust does vital work around prevention and early detection, and I’m proud to raise funds and awareness for a cause which is very important to me.”
As Camille has discovered, running in a liver costume is no mean feat: “I’ve not done a marathon before so that would be a challenge enough in itself. Running in this costume will be tough, but completely worthwhile. Every step I take will symbolise the fight against liver disease and the hope for a healthier future!”
His liver shaped challenge has certainly caught people’s imagination as Camille has smashed his original fundraising target of £2000 and he has now raised almost £5000!
“I’m delighted to have raised so much, and it makes me more determined to do this charity proud,” says Camille. “I can’t promise what time I’ll do on April 27th, but I’ll be crossing that finish line!”
Audrey Cornelius, Director of Fundraising at the British Liver Trust said: “As a charity, we are leading the fight against liver disease and liver cancer. We reach over two million people each year; providing information and support to patients and families and providing vital advice to help people improve their liver health. But there is still so much to be done. Liver disease is the only major disease in the UK where death rates are rising, and we want to change that. We’re so grateful to Camille. He’s taking on a huge challenge and has done brilliantly with his fundraising. We shall be there on the day cheering him on!”
You can support Camille’s London Marathon challenge at British Liver Trust: Running for Liver Health (in a Liver Mascot) : Help Me Reach My Goal!
