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2005 - November 30 -Mother of local liver disease boy helps stage Christmas panto in aid of children

A  mother is helping to stage a Christmas pantomime featuring 53 children from her village, to raise funds for the charity which offered vital support when her son was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease and underwent two liver transplants.

Deborah Pargeter, from Great Brickhill, is directing the production of ‘Captain Hooks Revenge’, based on the story of Peter Pan, in aid of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, the only organisation in the UK dedicated to stamping out childhood liver disease. 

Deborah’s son, Harry, aged nine, is playing the front of the crocodile in the pantomime. Harry suffers from the genetic condition Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, which means he produces a slightly different form of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein in his liver.  This becomes trapped in the liver and can cause irreversible liver damage in some children.  At present there is no cure for the disease– just treatment to cope with the symptoms of liver damage.

Harry’s liver became irreversibly damaged as a result of the disease and he underwent a liver transplant in February 1997, when he was just nine months old.   Unfortunately this was unsuccessful and Harry required a second transplant in April 1997.  Harry is now doing well, although he will need daily medication and monitoring for the rest of his life.

CLDF offered vital emotional and practical support to the family and Deborah was keen to give something back by raising funds for the charity. Deborah says, “We were devastated when we found out Harry was ill, seeing him go through two liver transplants was heart-breaking.  CLDF were with us every step of the way, providing information and support. 

“The children of the village took part in a pantomime last year and loved it, so I thought why not stage a production this year and help raise funds for CLDF at the same time?” 

Deborah is directing the play and friends Sara Graham and Sue and Ian Butterworth are responsible for stage management. 

“We have been working on the pantomime since September.  Coordinating 53 children is not an easy job, but I am sure it will be a great production.  There is lots of laughter, singing and dancing, and everyone has worked really hard to make sure it’s a success.” Sara adds.

The pantomime takes place at Great Brickhill village hall on Friday 2nd December at 7.30pm and Saturday 3rd December at 3.00pm.  Tickets for both productions cost £5 and are available by calling Corrine Conwall on 01525 261 279.

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 Deborah for staging this fundraising production.  What is so particularly touching is that it is young people seeking to help other young people.” 

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.