Charlina, 20 from Luton has faced many health challenges in her life. As a baby she had successful heart surgery when holes were discovered in her heart. Then, as she got older doctors discovered she had a rare liver condition called focal nodular hypoplasia. The condition made Charlina extremely unwell and doctors decided that a liver transplant was the best way forward. Aged twelve Charlina underwent major surgery for a transplant; fortunately the operation was a success and Charlina gradually got better. Today Charlina is passionate about becoming a paediatric nurse after being inspired by the incredible nurses that helped her throughout her childhood.

Over the years Charlina has grown in self-confidence and self-belief, this is partly thanks to the work of the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) which is part funded by Children in Need. CLDF have been funded by BBC Children in Need since 2011, and their current grant enables them to provide one to one and online support for nearly 1,500 11-18 year olds living with liver disease.