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2005 December 5 - TV presenter helps mother of local liver disease girl raise funds for charity

A local mother has enlisted the help of TV wildlife presenter Chris Packham to help raise funds for the charity which offered vital support when her daughter was diagnosed with a life threatening liver disease.

Kim Burchell-Day from Bitterne Park is organising a fundraising tea-party on 14th December at Millie’s Tea Rooms on Bedford Place, to raise funds for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, (CLDF), the only organisation in the UK dedicated to stamping out childhood liver disease.

CLDF offered vital emotional and practical support to Kim and her family when her daughter Kayleigh was diagnosed with the genetic condition, Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, when she was four weeks old.

Normal alpha 1 antitryspin helps to prevent tissue damage from the over-activity of enzymes called proteases, which the body produces in response to infections and irritants.  Kayleigh produces a slightly different form of Alpha-1 antitrypsin protein in her liver which can become trapped and is not carried to other parts of the body, and can lead to irreversible liver damage. 

At present there is no cure for Kayleigh’s condition and although she is currently doing well, she may require a liver transplant in the future.
Kim says, “Kayleigh has a very low immune system which means that she catches all sorts of things and is in and out of hospital.  We just have to hope that she stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible.  It is vital that CLDF are able to continue their research into childhood liver diseases, and be able to offer support for families like ours in the future, which is why I wanted to organise this fundraising event.”

The tea-party, an early birthday celebration for Kayleigh who is six on 30th December, will include a raffle with prizes donated by many local business including Hawkins Bizarre and Millie’s Tea Rooms.  Chris Packham will be drawing the winning raffle tickets and presenting the prizes.   Chris and his parents, who live locally, were keen to attend and support the event when they heard about Kayleigh’s illness and the tremendous support offered to the family by CLDF.

In addition to the raffle, there will be a tea party for children and cream teas for mums and dads.  The event takes place at Millie’s Tea Rooms from 3.30pm and Kim hopes the event will raise over £600 for the charity.

Kim adds, “Kayleigh is such a gorgeous young lady and a real fighter, she is a real inspiration to everyone who meets her.   She is really looking forward to the party and I am very grateful to Chris Packham and Liz Comer who owns Millie’s Tea rooms for their support.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation says, "Not many people are aware that every day two children are diagnosed with a liver disease in this country, that’s a greater incidence than childhood leukaemia.  Many of these diseases are life threatening, but all mean a lifetime of care. Each year we need to raise more money to fund new research projects, educate more healthcare professionals and support more families, and we are extremely grateful to Kim for organising this fundraising event."

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

Note to editors:
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.