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2006 August 8 - Golf day raises over ?12,000 for children's charity close to employee's heart

A golf day organised by an employee of Kier Partnership Homes has raised over £12,000 for the charity which provided vital support when his niece was diagnosed with a life threatening liver disease.

Peter Lewis from Maidstone, a procurement manager at Kings Hill based KPH, helped organise the event on Thursday 3rd August at Kings Hill golf club.  The event aimed to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), the only organisation in the UK dedicated to fighting childhood liver disease.

Peter became aware of CLDF after his niece Charley was diagnosed with a life threatening liver disease shortly after birth and CLDF provided practical and emotional support to his family.  Charley, now six, underwent a corrective operation when she was just a few weeks old and is now doing well.  However she could still require a liver transplant in the future if her condition deteriorates.

KPH invited sub contractors to enter teams of four into the 18 hole competition which was followed by a buffet, prize giving and raffle. KPH MD Dennis Seal and his team were the first to tee off, with the event eventually being won by Boss Metals Ltd from Surrey.

Sarah Briggs, CLDF’s supporter fundraising manager, talked about the charity’s work during the evening celebrations before accepting cheque for £12,165.  The funds were raised through hole sponsorship, a raffle and auction.

Peter Lewis says, “I have learnt first hand the tremendous way CLDF supports families of children affected by liver disease.  Few people realise that two children like Charley are diagnosed with a liver disease every day, that’s a greater incidence than childhood leukaemia. CLDF is there to provide much needed information, advice and emotional support.  I wanted to do something to help and I am delighted the golf day was such a success.”

Sarah Briggs adds, “There are over 100 different liver diseases which can affect any child of any age. Most are life-threatening and all mean a life-time of care.  We desperately need more funds to continue and enhance our research, education and support programmes which help to provide a brighter future for children and their families.  We are extremely grateful to Peter, Dennis and everyone who supported the golf event for their efforts on our behalf.”

For further information on the work of the Foundation, please visit www.childliverdisease.org or call 0121 212 3839.

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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 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