About me

I’m Steve, and in January 2020 my life changed when I was admitted to hospital with alcohol-related end-stage liver disease, decompensated liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). I spent four weeks in hospital and, during the first few days, I was in and out of a coma. My Mum was told it was unlikely that I would survive, but thankfully I’m still here today!

2020 was a really difficult year. Because of my HE, I struggled to walk, dress myself and even read and write properly. I was readmitted to hospital with severe oedema and also had a nasty fall because of my HE. Despite everything, I always tried to stay positive and keep a smile on my face.

I knew I could never drink alcohol again and that I needed to learn more about HE and how to manage my condition. In January 2021, I found the British Liver Trust, and it changed my life. I now support Liver UK to help raise awareness of liver disease and HE and to show others that, even after the toughest times, there can be hope for the future.

 My full story is here. 

Why Liver UK matters

I found the British Liver Trust through Google, which led to me joining a support group meeting in January 2021. That Zoom meeting changed everything for me. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone, judged or stigmatised, and the advice and support I received have stayed with me ever since.

Liver UK, the new name for the British Liver Trust, has given me the opportunity to turn my own experience into something positive. Over the years I’ve been involved in support groups, Love Your Liver roadshows, media interviews, research projects and the Stamp Out Stigma campaign. I’ve also helped bring Liver UK’s information into my local GP surgery.

Liver UK has changed my life, and my family’s lives, forever. It has given me support, a voice and the opportunity to help others feel less alone.

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