*Welcome to the CLDF Media Room* | Press Releases | Archived Press Releases | 2006 February 20 - Irish dance school concert to raise funds for children with liver disease

2006 February 20 - Irish dance school concert to raise funds for children with liver disease

Thirty young dancers from the Burton and Shepshed based ‘Parkhouse School of Irish Dancing’  will be performing in a fundraising concert on Friday 31st March in aid of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The event, which takes place at Belvedere Club, Burton-on-Trent, promises to be an entertaining evening of Irish music, song and dance, mixing enthusiastic amateurs with professionals.  Headlining the evening will be well-known Irish band ‘Diarmuid O’Leary and the Bards’.

The School has been in existence since 1977 and during this time concerts organised by patron Kate Parkhouse and husband Adrian have helped raise thousands of pounds for children’s charities.    CLDF, the only organisation in the UK dedicated to stamping out childhood liver disease, will be the beneficiary this year and Adrian and Kate hope the concert will raise £1000 for the charity.

The dancers, who also perform at charity fetes, residential homes and in inter-school competitions range in age from 5 to 25.  The group includes children from St. Winefride’s School, Shepshed where Kate is acting deputy head teacher who attend evening dance classes, and students from Kate’s weekly class at Overseal, Burton-on-Trent. 

Also performing at the event will be two piece instrumental band ‘Reel2Reel’ who are stepping onto the public stage for the first time.   The band consists of Victoria (24) and Dominic (21) - Kate and Adrian’s two children.

 ‘Diarmuid O’Leary and the Bards’ , friends of Kate and Adrian are currently making one of their occasional tours of England and will be performing some of their traditional Irish folk songs and instrumentals, along with their renowned comedy songs.  Their song, ‘Lanigan’s Ball’ was a number one smash in Ireland.

Kate says, “All the performers are very excited about the concert and have been practicing extremely hard to make sure the show is a success.  Each year the dancers and their parents choose a children’s charity to be the beneficiary of any funds raised.  When we heard about the tremendous work carried out by CLDF everyone was in agreement that it should receive the funds.”

Adrian adds, “Many people are unaware that children are affected by liver disease.  In reality two children are diagnosed with a liver disease each day in the UK so many families will benefit from the funds on the night.  The concerts have always been hugely entertaining and I’m sure this year’s show will be no exception.  Everyone is welcome.”

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, says, “Most liver diseases are life threatening, all mean a lifetime of care.  We desperately need more funds to continue our vital family support, education and research programmes and we are very grateful to all the performers who are giving their time to help raise funds.  It’s also fantastic that the focus is young people raising money to help other children.”

Tickets for the concert which takes place from 7.45pm on Friday 31st March cost £10 for adults and £8 for concessions.

For more information on the concert or to purchase tickets call the School on 01530 416475.

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Photo attached:
The Parkhouse Irish Dancers get ready for their charity performance.

Note to editors:

The Parkhouse Irish Dance School welcomes press to the charity performance.

For further information please contact Rachel Markham, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, Tel: 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.

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