SALISBURY took on a prominent role on the streets of London during the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show.

The event took place in the capital on Saturday, November 9, and among the attractions was a colourful three-mile procession which traditionally celebrates things close to the city dignitary.

Among those represented this month was the British Liver Trust charity, which helps and supports those diagnosed with liver disease across the UK.

And Salisbury’s Louis Smith, a trainee teacher and marathon runner who is waiting for a liver transplant, was a special guest of the Trust and took part in the parade.

The 22-year-old was part of a select group of liver patients who joined the procession, alongside the charity’s Love Your Liver mobile screening and scanning unit.

Louis was born with a rare condition, called Biliary Atresia, where the bile ducts in the liver are not properly formed and was operated on when he was just 12 days old.

Sports fan Louis led a normal life until he reached 21, when doctors told him he would need a transplant.

He is currently on the waiting list for a new liver, but still plays in the London Transplant Football Team and has even run the London Marathon – in support of the British Liver Trust – raising more than £2,000.

“It really was an honour to be a part of such a historic and traditional ceremony,” he said.

“The team of us who were representing the British Liver Trust felt such a great sense of pride and excitement in showcasing our cause.

“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.”

Louis Smith, from Salisbury, represented the British Liver Trust at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London

The Lord Mayor’s Show dates back to the early 13th century, and marks the journey to officially pledge allegiance to the monarch.

This year’s event welcomed the 696th Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King, who is also chair of the British Liver Trust.

The Trust’s Love Your Liver unit was among more than 50 decorated floats taking part in the show, alongside marching bands and entertainers.

It travels the country hosting roadshows where people can receive a free liver scan without a doctor’s referral, assess their risk of developing liver disease and receive guidance on how to improve liver health.

“When I was born in 2001, the internet was in its infancy and back then my parents would have appreciated having the online resources the British Liver Trust provides today, to find out more about my condition and read the stories of families in a similar situation,” Louis added. “That’s exactly why I choose to support the British Liver Trust.”

Pamela Healy OBE, chief executive of the 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.”