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Birmingham all-star basketball game for children with liver disease - 14/04/08

A basketball match between City of Birmingham Coaches and City of Birmingham All Stars on Saturday 26 April is helping to raise funds for thousands of children with life threatening and incurable liver disease. 

Steven Mroso from Springfield, who has been a coach for the City of Birmingham basketball team for two years, is organising the event at Nechells Community Sports Centre to raise funds for Birmingham based Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Steven learnt of the charity’s work supporting families whose lives have been devastated by childhood liver disease.  He was keen to do something to help raise funds and using his basketball connections seemed the perfect way.

Steven says; “At least two children are diagnosed with liver disease every day in the UK through no fault of their own or their parents.  CLDF’s services are vital to these families but they can only continue with public support.  I have no idea how much we will raise but hope that people will come along to what should be a great event in aid of a fantastic charity.”  

The day will include free-throw and dunk competitions and the chance for children to have their photo taken with stars from the Birmingham Panthers and Worcester Wolves.  Paul Douglas, the current director of coaching for City of Birmingham basketball club and Clive Allen, the assistant coach for the Birmingham Panthers are taking part in the match itself.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation says; “We are extremely grateful to Steven for organising this exciting event for CLDF.  75% of CLDF’s income comes via enthusiast supporters like Steven who fundraise on the charity’s behalf. Every penny is desperately needed and will make a huge difference to thousands of families.”

The event will take place at Nechells Community Sports Centre, Rupert Street, Nechells from 12 noon to 5pm, with tip-off for the game at 2pm.  Entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children under 16 yrs. 

For more information call Steve Mroso on 07853 370 613.  For more information on CLDF’s work call 0121 212 3839 or visit www.childliverdisease.org

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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
• 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