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2006 February 22 - Man heads national organisation and helps fight childhood liver disease

A local man, recently appointed head of The Grand Lodge of England of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB), has chosen Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) as his charity appeal of the year 2006.

Mick Walker from High Wycombe was signed in as Grand Primo (1st Officer) in January after being a member of the national organisation for 45 years. Mick, who is part of the St John’s lodge based at Hazelmere Community Centre, chose CLDF after hearing of the vital work the charity undertakes.

CLDF is a unique national charity that fights childhood liver diseases through funding pioneering research and educating healthcare professionals and the general public. Formed in 1980, the charity also provides professional, emotional support to families affected by childhood liver disease.

Mick, who is now retired says, “Myself and my wife Ann have been in the field of childcare for many years and heard about a child who had been diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease and required a liver transplant. I learnt of the practical and emotional support the family had received from CLDF and, after researching the Foundation and seeing the tremendous work carried out, the choice for my charity appeal became an easy one”.

Seven year old Alexander Torrance from Princes Risborough, who was diagnosed with the life-threatening liver disease biliary atresia as a baby, joined Mick in celebrating the fundraising partnership.
Alexander, who attends Monks Risborough Primary School, had a corrective operation at just a few weeks old and although currently doing well, requires daily medication and may require a transplant in the future.

Mick adds, “Most people are unaware that two children are diagnosed with a liver disease every day in the UK, that’s a greater incidence than childhood leukaemia. I will be encouraging our 25,000 members across the country to support the charity appeal and help raise funds for this vital cause.”

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation says, "We are delighted that Mick has chosen CLDF as his charity appeal of the year. We look forward to working with the organisation over the coming months to ensure that the activity is a success; not only in raising funds but also in raising awareness of childhood liver disease, many of which are life threatening, and all of which need a lifetime of care."

RAOB is a worldwide social and benevolent organisation with ‘Lodges’ in many countries. The Grand Lodge of England, whose head quarters are based in Harrogate, is the largest section of the Order, with some 1,700 Lodges across the country. In addition to support and care of their members and the community at large, each year the Grand Primo nominates a charity for nationwide support by the organisation. 

For more information about RAOB visit www.raobgle.org.uk. For further information about Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, visit www.childliverdisease.org 

- Ends -

For further information on this story please contact Rachel Markham,
Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, Tel: 0121 212 6012, e-mail: communications@childliverdisease.org

Note to editors:

Images attached:

1 - Alexander Torrance helps Mick Walker, RAOB Grand Primo, launch his charity appeal in aid of CLDF.

2 – Alexander Torrance, sister Emma and Grand Primo Mick Walker celebrate the launch of the RAOB charity appeal in aid of CLDF.

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation
The Children’s Liver Disease Foundation is a unique national charity that fights childhood liver diseases through funding pioneering research and educating healthcare professionals and the general public. Formed in 1980, it provides professional, emotional support to families affected and is the only organisation of its kind in the UK.

Childhood liver disease – the facts
• More children in the UK are currently diagnosed with a liver disease than childhood leukaemia
• At least two children are diagnosed with a liver disease every day in the UK
• Most childhood liver diseases are life threatening; all mean a lifetime of care
• There are over 100 different liver diseases that can affect babies, children or young people
• For most childhood liver diseases the cause is unknown
• Liver disease has no cure
• CLDF is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to stamping out childhood liver disease

The Royal Antediluvian order of Buffaloes
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes is a charitable organisation, which has been in existence since the 1820’s.  There are three main levels within the order, The Minor Lodge acting at local level, The Provincial Grand Lodge acting at regional level and The Grand Lodge acting at national Level.  The R.A.O.B. at all levels supports its community and, through its charitable works, raises many millions of pounds for worthwhile causes.   The Grand Lodge of England owns two convalescent homes, one in Harrogate, where the organisation also has its head quarters, and the other in Weston Super Mare.  These provide which provide facilities for ‘Brothers’ and their families.  Membership of the organisation is open to all adult males without distinction to social position, religious faith or political beliefs The RAOB strives to maintain good relationships with the local Community and quietly goes about supporting Community Projects and trying to attract like minded people to join them in the charitable works they do. For further information contact Stuart Steele, Grand Secretary, Grove House, Skipton Road, Harrogate. HG1 4LA stuart.steele@raobgle.org.uk t 01423