British Liver Trust

Aim

Supporting people of all ages affected by liver disease - Help us be there for everyone affected by, and at risk of, liver disease.

Harrison’s story

For most families, a holiday is the highlight of the year, children excited for their first flight abroad. For four-year-old Harrison and his family, this isn’t possible.

Harrison is living with Alagille syndrome and is waiting for a life-saving liver transplant. While on the transplant list, he cannot travel abroad, meaning he has never been on a plane. His family hasn’t been overseas since 2019.

He suffers constant, severe itching that leaves him in pain day and night, often scratching until his skin breaks. He has also undergone major heart surgery. Harrison is not just waiting for a transplant to improve his quality of life, he is waiting for survival.

“Life is tough, but we just deal with what comes our way.”

Behind that strength are sleepless nights, hospital stays, and the heartbreak of watching a child suffer. Harrison is still waiting for his transplant, with the dream of one day taking his first flight abroad with his family, to rest, recover, and enjoy time together after an incredibly difficult few year.

Liver disease can affect anyone, at any stage of life.

At the British Liver Trust, we support newborn babies, children, young people and adults, as well as their families and carers. From diagnosis to transplant and beyond, we provide expert information, support and guidance every step of the way.

Why this matters

Liver disease is one of the fastest rising causes of death in the UK, and it can affect anyone, often without symptoms until it is too late.

It doesn’t just affect one group. It impacts families, children, working-age adults and older people, often unexpectedly and for a wide range of reasons, including genetic, autoimmune and lifestyle-related conditions.

Early detection and support can save lives, but too many people are diagnosed late, when options are limited.

How we support people

We provide a wide range of services to ensure no one faces liver disease alone:

• Children and Families service: Supporting newborns, children and young people with liver conditions and helping families navigate complex care, school life, and emotional challenges
• Love Your Liver Outreach: Each year, we carry out thousands of liver scans in communities across the UK.
• Nurse-led helpline: Offering expert, confidential advice from specialist liver nurses
• Peer support: Connecting people through support groups and online communities so no one feels alone
• Trusted information: Clear, reliable guidance for people at every stage of their journey
• Awareness and education: Helping more people understand liver disease and recognise the signs earlier
• Mental health and practical support: Helping people cope with the emotional and everyday impact of liver disease
• Free online liver health screener: helping people understand their risk and take action sooner

Reaching people who might otherwise be missed

We take our work directly into communities, reaching people who may not otherwise have access to testing or support. Through our outreach work, we provide liver scans (FibroScan) in community settings, helping to detect liver disease early, often before symptoms appear.

For many people, this is the first time they realise something may be wrong, giving them the chance to take action before it’s too late.

How your support helps

From young children to adults, people rely on us for support.

We help them understand their condition, navigate complex diagnoses, and ensure they always have somewhere to turn.

How £20 could make a difference

A donation of just £20 could help us to:

• Provide trusted information to someone facing a diagnosis
• Offer emotional support to families and individuals in crisis
• Be there for people of all ages living with liver disease

Please support today

Liver disease affects people of all ages, from babies to adults. Each year, we carry out thousands of liver scans in communities across the UK.

Your support helps ensure that no one has to face it alone. 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 23rd July 2026 at 2:40pm