A Bromley dad is cycling 100miles to raise money for children with liver disease after his son was diagnosed with a rare form.

Grant Walker is aiming to raise £575 for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation which is close to his heart after his little boy James was diagnosed with biliary atresia.

James had to have a seven hour operation when he was just six weeks old.

Mr Walker said: "Like most people, I had never heard of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation. That all changed two and a half years ago when our son James was diagnosed with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia when he was just six weeks old.

"It completely turned our world upside down. There we were, the parents of a beautiful new baby boy, full of hopes and dreams for our future as a family, only to be told this devastating news by the doctors.

“Following many blood tests and a liver biopsy, James underwent a seven hour operation during which his blocked bile ducts and gall bladder were replaced with a segment of his small intestine. It was at this point that CLDF provided us with help in the form of leaflets, describing what the condition is, and giving us the opportunity to meet other families whose children are affected.

“So far James has been one of the lucky ones. His surgery was a success and he is an active toddler who loves dinosaurs, football and riding his bike. However he needs to take several medicines every day and is closely monitored by King’s College Hospital. He is also likely to need a liver transplant in the future as there is currently no cure for biliary atresia.

“We know that CLDF will continue to be there for us as a family and they also fund research into childhood liver disease – something which is very important to us.

Mr Walker will take part in the Prudential Ride 100 on July 30 around London and Surrey.

He said: “As a keen cyclist, Ride 100 was an obvious way for me to raise funds for CLDF although I must admit, since becoming a dad I have not been able to ride anywhere near as much as I used to and so this will be a real challenge for me. I'm currently in training to ensure I'm fit enough to survive until the end. I've been riding with the Addiscombe Cycling Club, of which I've been a member for about 15 years, and Bigfoot Cycle Club which I joined when we moved to the Bromley area over a year ago.

"Despite this I feel it is going to be a real challenge but hopefully a lot of fun too with about 25, 000 other like minded cyclists and all for a really good cause to boot!

“I’m also hoping that this will help raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. Those who donate their organs give a second chance of life thanks to their generous act and their courageous families and someone like this will one day save the life of our son.”

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF takes action against childhood liver disease by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this, however, we rely entirely on voluntary donations so we are delighted and very grateful to hear that Grant is doing this for us. It will be a real challenge but we hope he thoroughly enjoys the experience and wish him all the best for the day.”

You can support Grant in his Ride 100 challenge by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Grant-Walker2.