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2005 - November 11 - Student inspired to organise concert in aid of children's charity

A student has been inspired to organise a fundraising concert featuring local band The Salvator Darlings, to raise funds for the charity which offered vital support when his girlfriend’s niece was diagnosed with a life threatening liver disease.

Ben Rushworth from Scholes, Cleckheaton, has organised the concert in aid of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, the only organisation in the UK fighting to stamp out childhood liver disease.

The Salvator Darlings will be playing at Santiago nightclub, The Grand Arcade, Leeds, on Friday 2nd December with all proceeds going to the charity.  Wallaby Willington, a six piece acoustic indie band and Hyde Park Death Squad, a three piece Irish band will also be playing on the night.

Madeleine, the niece of Ben’s girlfriend Carrie, was diagnosed with the liver disease biliary atresia at just six weeks old.  Biliary atresia causes the bile ducts to become progressively blocked, leading to irreversible liver damage.  Madeleine underwent a corrective operation called a kasai and is now doing well, although she may require a liver transplant in the future.

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation provided emotional and practical support to Madeleine’s family at this time and Ben, who is currently studying international hospitality business management at Leeds metropolitan university, was keen to help raise funds for the charity.

Ben says, “I was keen to get involved with music promotion, as many areas of my university degree support it and I am friends with members of The Salvator Darlings.  When the band heard about the fantastic work that CLDF do, they were keen to get involved in a fundraising event.  Music promotion is something I really want to get into full time after I graduate next summer, so it will also be great experience for me”.

Special The Salvator Darlings T-shirts in CLDF colours of yellow and blue will also be available on the evening at a cost of £6 with profits going to the charity.  Ben hopes to raise over £500 through the fundraiser.

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 Ben for organising the fundraising concert.  What is so particularly touching is that it is young people seeking to help other young people.” 

Tickets are available at a cost of £5 by calling Ben on 07725 803361.  Doors open at 9pm (18’s and over only).

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.