Annual Conference | Annual Conference 2005

Annual Conference 2005

Over 140 family members and supporters attended the 2005 conference which took place on Saturday 1st October at the National Motorcycle Museum near Solihull.

In addition to a review of the previous year’s activities and a look ahead to the future, the 2005 conference gave the opportunity to celebrate CLDF’s silver jubilee and all that has been achieved over the past 25 years.

The day included speeches from some of the top medical professionals in the field.   Sessions also included ‘what hepatologists and parents can learn from a liver biopsy’, ‘the transplant list – clinical and psychological issues’  and ‘new advances in the treatment of inherited diseases – gene therapy, clinical and surgical’ and questions and answers.

Separate sessions also ran for parents and young people exploring issues around ‘living with liver disease’ giving the opportunity to share experiences. 

Barry Barton, former director of CLDF, wife Pam, Mike Wroe, Elle Pattullo and their son Arthur cut the CLDF silver jubilee cake.  The cake was kindly made by bakery students at the Birmingham college of food, tourism and creative studies. 

Tom Ross and Catherine Arkley cheer on CLDF supporter Mel Loades as he completes his 100 mile London to Birmingham ‘Walk of Hope’. The walk raised a fantastic £10,000!

250 special anniversary balloons were launched to celebrate CLDF’s silver jubilee.

Helen Slater and Joanne Hardwick gave a moving talk on their experiences of living with childhood liver disease.

A great day was had by the 50 youngsters who enjoyed a trip to Drayton Manor, supervised by volunteers from St John’s Ambulance and the City of Birmingham Round Table.

There was also plenty of entertainment on the day for the little ones!

‘Feelings’ postcards created during the ‘Living with liver disease’ young persons session.