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*Welcome to the CLDF Media Room* | Press Releases | Archived Press Releases | 2005 October 6 - Murder mystery play to aid children's charity
2005 October 6 - Murder mystery play to aid children's charity
Through their membership of Monmouth amateur theatre group, Off-Centre Theatre, a local couple are putting on a production of Simon Brett’s play, ‘Murder at Priorswell Manor’ later this month to raise funds for the charity which offered vital support to their family when their granddaughter underwent a life saving liver transplant.
Sue and Geoff Manning from Osbaston are raising funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), the only organisation in the UK fighting to stamp out childhood liver disease.
As a baby, Sue and Geoff’s granddaughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a disease in which the bile ducts become progressively blocked, leading to irreversible liver damage. Sadly, a corrective operation was unsuccessful and Ellie underwent a life-saving liver transplant in 2003 aged six months. Since the operation, Ellie, now aged three, has gone from strength to strength.
Sue says, “Our family received exceptional support from CLDF when Ellie was waiting for her liver transplant. Organising the play is our way of giving something back and helping to ensure that other families can be offered support in the future. Rehearsals have been taking place for a number of weeks and I am sure people will enjoy the production. It is a very funny play”.
Geoff is directing the production and Sue co-producing. The group hope to raise at least £700 for the charity.
Geoff adds, “Thanks to a liver transplant and the support of CLDF, we have a beautiful granddaughter who is living life to the full. Not every family is so lucky. The play aims not only to raise funds for CLDF, but also awareness of the need for more donors and the vital support required for families who are dealing children’s liver disease, all of which need a lifetime of care. To illustrate that point, Ellie is right now recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, because her immune system is badly impared.”
Catherine Arkley, Chief Executive of the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation says, "Most people don't realise that two children a day are diagnosed with a liver disease in this country - that's greater than the incidence of 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 Geoff and Sue for their support."
The play runs for four nights from 26th – 29th October and is being held at Haberdashers Monmouth School for Girls School, Hereford Road, Monmouth. The play begins at 7.30pm each night. Tickets cost £6 and are available from Nelson’s Museum, Monmouth, Brian Williams Clock Repairs in St Mary’s Street (next to Wiggies) or at the venue on the night. For further information about the production, please contact Sue and Geoff on 01600 772536. For further information about Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, visit www.childliverdiease.org
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Notes to editors:
For further information on this story please contact Rachel Markham, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation on 0121 212 6012, e-mail: communications@childliverdisease.org
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.
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