*Welcome to the CLDF Media Room* | Press Releases | Archived Press Releases | 2006 December 5 - Mayor and Mayoress of Margate celebrate RAOB's fundraising acheivements

2006 December 5 - Mayor and Mayoress of Margate celebrate RAOB's fundraising acheivements

The Mayor and Mayoress of Margate attended the final meeting of The Grand Lodge of England of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) of 2006 at the Winter Gardens in Margate.

Douglas Clark JP and Mrs Louise Drelaud attended the event on the 2nd December to thank members of the national organisation for choosing Margate as the location for their general meetings this year, and to congratulate members on their fundraising efforts for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

CLDF is a unique national organisation dedicated to fighting childhood liver disease.  Mick Walker, 2006 Grand Primo (1st Officer) for the organisation chose CLDF as his charity of the year appeal after hearing about its vital work.  The charity provides emotional and practical support to families of the two children diagnosed with a life threatening liver disease every day in the UK, and funds education and research programmes.

Over 200 RAOB members attended the Margate meeting which saw the Mayor and Mayoress drawing the winning ticket for a mini motor bike raffle which raised over £1,250 for CLDF.  The winner was Jack Sutton from the organisations Hearne Bay Lodge.

RAOB members nationwide have been taking part in fundraising activity throughout the year to raise funds.  Activity has included fun days, race nights, triathlons and a 270 mile walk along the Pennine Way.  Themed badges and thimbles have also been on sale to raise extra funds. 

Mick says, “It was great to have the Mayor and Mayoress attend our final meeting for this year, and they were both keen to hear about our fundraising activity for CLDF and to draw the raffle for us.  We hope to raise over £30,000 for CLDF by the end of the year which will be a great achievement, and I want to thank all members who have helped contribute to this wonderful amount.” 

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation adds; “We are extremely grateful to Mick and RAOB members for their enthusiastic fundraising efforts on our behalf this year.  Few people realise that there are over 100 different liver diseases which can affect any child of any age, and there are no cures - just a lifetime of care ahead. We desperately need extra funds to help continue and enhance our services, and the funds raised through the charity of the year appeal will help us achieve our aims.”

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:

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation
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 Tel: 01423 502 438