A RADIO breakfast show host, born with kidney and liver problems, will take on a five-day trek in Peru.

Funky SX breakfast presenter, Stephanie Cawthorne, 25, will be taking on the Inca Trail, to raise money for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) - a charity which takes action against the effects of childhood liver disease, providing information, emotional support, research funds and a voice for all affected.

Stephanie, who begins the trail on November 1, hopes to raise £3,400 for the charity that is close to her heart since she was born with Alagille Syndrome – a disorder which affects the liver, kidneys, heart, and other systems in the body. Stephanie has already raised over £2,000.

As a child, Stephanie and her mother were supported by CLDF which allowed her to meet other people with similar conditions and helped Stephanie understand and accept the condition she still suffers from today.

She said: “I was born with Alagille Syndrome, a disorder which affects the liver, kidneys heart and other systems in the body. It affects my skin, causing severe itching, and makes me susceptible to other illness.

“I will always have this condition and I can tell you that growing up with something you do not truly understand is hard. Alagilles caused me a lot of pain when I was younger but now my hormones have settled, I realise I am one of the lucky ones.

“Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) has been there for us from day one. “Initially they supplied my mum with information about this rare condition. I went to events they organised and met other young people with similar conditions. I always remember having the best time.

“Knowing how tough growing up with a liver disease can be, I think it’s really important that any child or teenager in this situation has access to the kind of support which CLDF provides and I want to do my bit to make that happen.”

Alison Taylor, chief executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, said: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected.

“We hope the Inca Trail proves an amazing experience for her.”