A trainee teacher and marathon runner, who is waiting for a liver transplant, was a special guest at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London.
Louis Smith, 22, from Salisbury, was invited by the British Liver Trust, the UK’s leading liver health charity, to represent them at the event.
The charity is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by liver disease, providing much-needed support.
As part of a select group of liver patients, Louis joined the vibrant three-mile procession alongside British Liver Trust's Love Your Liver mobile screening and scanning unit.
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This year’s show welcomed the 696th Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King, who also happens to be the chairman of the British Liver Trust.
Louis was born with a rare condition called biliary atresia, where the bile ducts in the liver are not properly formed, and underwent surgery when he was just 12 days old.
He led a normal life until the age of 21 when doctors told him he would need a transplant, so he is now on the waiting list for a new liver.
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Despite his condition, Louis is a keen sportsman and plays in the London Transplant Football Team.
He also ran the London Marathon for the British Liver Trust, raising more than £2,000.
Louis said: "It really was an honour to be a part of such a historic and traditional ceremony.
"The team of us who were representing the British Liver Trust felt such a great sense of pride and excitement in showcasing our cause."
He added: "The spectators were incredible. To be seen nationally on the BBC was a great privilege for us all and gaining that level of exposure was a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of the trust.
"Because we were such a diverse group, I felt the spectators really understood that liver disease affects both young and old from all walks of life."
Pamela Healy, OBE, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said: "It was an honour for the British Liver Trust to be part of the Lord Mayor’s Show and we were delighted that Louis was able to join us at this historic event.
"One in three people are at risk of liver disease, with the numbers being diagnosed increasing at an alarming rate, so we’re very grateful to Louis for working so hard to raise awareness of liver disease and being such an enthusiastic fundraiser which allows us to continue our vital campaigning work."
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