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Peebleshire mum celebrates Mothers Day - 21/02/08

A Peeblesshire mum whose son underwent a combined liver and small bowel transplant is urging people to support a national charity close to her heart.

Mum of two Catriona Hamilton will be celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday 2 March with sons Aaron and Jamie and is sharing her story to raise awareness of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Catriona has recently become an ambassador for the charity which is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to fighting all liver diseases of childhood.  Catriona’s eldest son Aaron (11) has battled for life since birth and the family has received support from CLDF ever since.

Aaron was born with a congenital heart disorder and underwent surgery at 6 days old, but he later contracted a disease which destroyed three-quarters of his small bowel. Feeding via a system called total parenteral nutrition (TPN), whereby nutrition is delivered directly into a vein, then led to problems with his liver. 

The family were told that a combined liver and small bowel transplant was his only hope, but Aaron had to undergo further heart surgery before he could withstand this procedure.  Aaron was eventually listed for transplant in January 2000 and after four months, Aaron, who was then 3-and-a-half, underwent the lifesaving operation.

Since the transplant Aaron has continued to face many challenges and long periods in hospital but is now enjoying attending Kingsland School with brother Jamie, who was born in 1998.

Catriona says: “Mother’s Day is very special as I realise how close I came to losing Aaron. To have both of my boys there to make me burnt toast is wonderful and I realise how lucky I am. CLDF has played a vital role over the years and has helped me to cope.  Few people realise that two children are struck down with liver disease every day in the UK through no fault of their own or their parents. CLDF provides information, support and hope for the future through its research programme to these families.  However this work can only continue with public support. 

“I am passionate about raising awareness which is why I’ve became an ambassador for the charity. My niece is also currently training for a trek to the Great Wall of China to raise funds and it is also fantastic to now hear Aaron and Jamie talking about their experiences. I think my passion for raising awareness has rubbed off on them too.”

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, says: “Catriona and Aaron’s story shows the struggle that families face coping with childhood liver disease and how CLDF’s vital services give enormous hope.  However we need people to get behind our work and every penny really does make a difference.

“We should also remember the special family who have enabled Catriona to celebrate Mother’s Day with both Aaron and Jamie.  We would urge people to consider joining the organ donor register and to make their wishes known to their family.”

For further information on the work of the Foundation and to sign up to the organ donor register visit www.childliverdisease.org. Anyone wishing to support Audrey’s China Trek for CLDF in May can donate online at www.justgiving.com/audchinacldf

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For further information on this story please contact

Rachel Markham, Children’s Liver Disease Foundation,
Tel: 0121 212 6012, e-mail: communications@childliverdisease.org

Note to editors:
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
1 More children in the UK are currently diagnosed with a liver disease than childhood leukaemia
2 At least two children are diagnosed with a liver disease every day in the UK
3 Most childhood liver diseases are life threatening; all mean a lifetime of care
4 There are over 100 different liver diseases that can affect babies, children or young people
5 For most childhood liver diseases the cause is unknown
6 Liver disease has no cure
7 CLDF is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to stamping out childhood liver disease