*Welcome to the CLDF Media Room* | Press Releases | Archived Press Releases | 2006 January 16 - Local ramblers inspired to organise fundraising walk in aid of children's liver di

2006 January 16 - Local ramblers inspired to organise fundraising walk in aid of children's liver di

A group of ramblers from Nottinghamshire are organising a 20 mile charity walk through the Derbyshire Peak District later this month to raise funds for the charity which offered vital support when a member’s niece was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease.

The ‘Reindeer Ramblers’ are hoping to raise £2,000 through the walk which takes place on Sunday 29th January for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) , the only organization in the UK fighting to stamp out childhood liver disease.

The group, which has been in existence for 24 years and meets at The Reindeer Inn public house on Southwell Road, Mansfield, has 90 members from around Nottinghamshire.  Every January the group organise a fundraising walk and member Jack Wright requested CLDF to be nominated as  the beneficiary of the 2006 walk. 

In February 2005 Jack’s niece Amy was diagnosed with Autoimmune Liver Disease, a disease which causes the body’s immune system to malfunction and attack the liver.  CLDF provided much needed practical and emotional support to the family.

Amy, 10, who lives in Northampton, was diagnosed following two months of investigations into her jaundice.  She had also previously suffered a range of symptoms over a four year period including head and joint aches and a lack of concentration which culminated in her repeating a school year.  Amy is now receiving treatment and is currently doing well, although she will require monitoring and medical treatment for the rest of her life.

The money raised from the walk will help to ensure that CLDF can offer information and support to other families in the future and continue its research programme into the causes of liver disease – many of which are unknown.

Jack says, “Now that Amy is receiving treatment she is a different girl.  Like many people, my family was unaware that children got liver disease so the information and support that CLDF provided when Amy was diagnosed was a real lifeline.  When I told the rest of the group about the fantastic work carried out by the CLDF they agreed it was a very worthwhile charity to support.”

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation said: "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. Quite simply we have no idea why many of the liver diseases happen.  Until we do, young people will continue to become ill. Each year we need to raise more money to fund new research projects, educate more healthcare professionals and support more families and we are very grateful to the Reindeer Ramblers for their support.” 

The walk will take place in the White Peak area of the Peak District, starting in llam walking to Hartington via the Manifold Valley and returning via Wolfscote Dale finishing in Dove Dale. Members of the public who wish to join the sponsored walk or join the club are welcome and can contact club secretary Barry Fryer on 01623 471755 for further details.

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