An eight year old boy from Deal, who received a life-saving liver transplant as a baby, led a four mile hike through the wind and rain on Friday (March 31), raising over £1800 to support other children who, like him, were born with liver disease.

Hugo Wooding came up with the idea of the Big Yellow Hike as his way of joining in with  Big Yellow Friday, the national fundraising and awareness day for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The charity has provided Hugo’s family with information and support ever since his diagnosis and, as Hugo became more aware of his transplant, he was very keen to do some fundraising of his own: “I love walking and I love to raise money – I want to help everyone who is poorly,” he said.

Hugo’s enthusiasm proved infectious and before long, several classmates at Northbourne CE Primary had signed up for the Big Yellow Hike to the Bowling Green pub in Deal, smashing his initial £200 fundraising target.

And Friday’s  miserable weather failed to dampen their spirits:

“The walk was excellent, Hugo and his friends did so well in the awful, awful weather!” says Hugo’s mum, Polly. “We slid through the woods and fields and then had a long and quite exposed walk into town, we were all a bit battered from the wind and rain but we made it to the pub for some much needed chips and refreshments. Hugo is just so delighted with the support he has received and the amount raised, which has exceeded all our expectations!”

Rebecca Cooper, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “A four mile walk would be a great achievement for children of this age in any case but the nasty weather makes it even more impressive. They are all superstars and Hugo has done brilliantly to inspire his friends to join in with such a fabulous fundraising effort. He really has made a difference to other children in the UK who live with liver disease.”

You can still support Hugo’s Big Yellow Hike by  going to Polly Wooding is fundraising for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (justgiving.com)

For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.

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Hugo Wooding’s Big Yellow Hike will be taking place on Big Yellow Friday, March 31, the  national fundraising and awareness day for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF). The charity means a lot to Hugo and his family as mum, Polly, explains:

“We found out about CLDF very soon after Hugo was diagnosed with the rare disease, biliary atresia,  and it was a no-brainer that we’d want to support them. We see the work the charity does as hugely important to the understanding of illnesses such as Hugo’s, and we’ve personally been on the end of their support, particularly during Hugo’s longest admissions at King’s where we would be visited and offered support by CLDF staff.

“So we’ve taken part in Big Yellow Friday when Hugo was much younger, but he’s never participated himself. Now, however, Hugo is more aware of his transplant, and has shown a  keen interest in fundraising so it seemed the ideal time for him to get directly involved.”

Hugo’s Hike will cover the four miles from his school, Northbourne CE Primary to the Bowling Green pub in Deal. He’s already smashed his £200 fundraising target and is looking forward to the day:

“I chose to do this because I love walking and I love to raise money – I want to help everyone who is poorly,” he says. “Because it’s Big Yellow Friday, I’ll be wearing yellow but my costume is a surprise. I’m amazed and happy about what I have raised so far and now my school are supporting me too, so I’ve increased my target to £350!”

Rebecca Cooper, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this, however, we rely on voluntary donations, so Big Yellow Friday is a really important day for us. It’s brilliant that Hugo has encouraged his family and friends to join in with his hike and we wish them the best of luck for next Friday.”

You can support Hugo’s Big Yellow Hike by  going to Polly Wooding is fundraising for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (justgiving.com)

For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.

The post Why Hugo is planning a Big Yellow Hike appeared first on Childrens Liver Disease Foundation.

• Have a Wear Yellow Day in your workplace. Everyone makes a donation to wear something very bright. You can boost your fundraising with our sweepstake which you can download here Big Yellow Friday Pack | Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (childliverdisease.org)
• Invite people round for a coffee morning/cake sale. Ask everyone to bring one item. A good cause gives everyone a reason to indulge in some cake and if you haven’t got time to bake, just buy some! No one minds See here Top ten tips for coffee morning success! – Childrens Liver Disease Foundation (childliverdisease.org) for our top tips for coffee mornings
• Busy during the day? Host a pizza night instead. Works exactly the same but with this one you’ll probably have more shop-bought than home- made!
• Invite your friends round for a Big Yellow Quiz night. If you don’t have time to compile one, there are plenty available online for free.
• You may not have time to plan that ten mile sponsored walk but what would your friends and family sponsor you to do? Wear a yellow wig for the day? Be styled by your five year old? Or maybe a sponsored silence? Whatever you choose, setting up a fundraising page takes just minutes and you can download any materials you need, including sponsor forms here Big Yellow Friday Pack | Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (childliverdisease.org).

You’ve probably got plenty of ideas of your own. Whatever you do, you know  that every penny you raise will be making a real difference to people who need it. People like Cara, mum to Nellie (pictured) , who says:

“ It’s lovely to be able to ask any questions and share worries without burdening friends or family. The team at CLDF understand what I’m going through and it’s really comforting to know that I’m not alone.”

Whatever you decide to do, please let us know here Register Your Fundraising – Big Yellow Friday – Childrens Liver Disease Foundation (childliverdisease.org) and if you need any help or advice, contact us at fundraising@childliverdisease.org.

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It’s just two weeks to go until Big Yellow Friday.  Not planned anything?  Do not panic!  You might feel it’s too late to arrange a Big Yellow Ball or have that bath of custard delivered to your workplace, but a Wear Yellow Day takes almost no planning at all.

Yellow may not be everyone’s first choice to wear to work but, according to psychologists, there may be good reasons why we should. Yellow, we are told ‘brings a happy fun and positive mood that has the power to lift everyone around you’*. Who doesn’t need that at the end of a busy week?

“How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun.” -Vincent Van Gogh

And while some people are happy to be sponsored to dress as a banana or minion for the day, a Wear Yellow Day is also the perfect opportunity to dig out that jumper/shirt/scarf you’ve been given and put it to excellent use!

Holding a Wear Yellow Day for Big Yellow Friday isn’t only a fantastic fundraiser, it’s good for staff morale:

“We have had great fun doing this,” says BP store manager, Sarah Charles, manager of a  BP petrol station store. “Our staff love any excuse to get dressed up and have fun, it all helps to build great teams and good relationships with local communities. Of course there has been some healthy competition amongst the stores to see who can raise the most money for such a fantastic cause!”

Donna Wilkes , Mortgage Manager at NatWest adds: “  At NatWest in Mortgage Specialisms we’ve always had great fun supporting Big Yellow Friday and promoting Wear Yellow. It’s so easy to arrange and organise. CLDF have always provided us with plenty of bunting, posters and balloons to add to the colour fun. I would highly recommend it to anyone to get involved and raise money for such a great children’s charity.”

So what are you waiting for? It’s simple, fun and will bring sunshine to your workplace whilst making a real difference to young people who need your help. Register your Wear Yellow Day and request all the materials you need here Register Your Fundraising – Big Yellow Friday – Childrens Liver Disease Foundation (childliverdisease.org)

*Source thekewlshop.com

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CLDF is a fantastic charity which will always be close to my heart. It was very difficult for us when Cydney was a baby because although we know she has a rare liver disease, we have never been given a diagnosis.  CLDF were there for us then and now and I know that’s the case for the lovely families we’ve met while we’ve been in hospital too. I also want to know that CLDF will be there for Cydney as she grows up. So I planned a Girls Night Out fundraising evening.

The fundraising actually began at the start of the week when my mother’s Wellbeing Monday Club at church put money into collection pots and brought in some costume jewellery to be raffled that Friday night.

Cydney at the girls night

The evening itself took place at St Chad’s Bowls Club, who immediately boosted our total by donating the room hire fee to the charity. We had six games of bingo, a raffle, a table sale  and a photo booth which proved very popular (a huge thank you to Melissa for donating half the proceeds).  Cydney herself made over £20 with a Guess the Name of the cuddly dog competition, and then it was time to dance the night away!

It was brilliant fun and when we realised that we’d raised £750, I was thrilled. It felt like a wonderful way to celebrate Cydney being eight years old and to know that we’re helping other people in our situation. I would say to anyone planning a fundraiser, if you make it fun and do something you enjoy, then it won’t feel like hard work!

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We joined in with Big Yellow Friday last year because our son, Wesley, was born with biliary atresia so of course the work that CLDF do is really important to us. I decided to do tarot reading because it was something I’ve done for close to a decade, both personally and professionally. I actually had a spiritual and wellness small business before Wesley was born and it’s something I just love to do! I think sometimes people are put off when they hear tarot because they think of ghosts or things they’ve seen in movies when really it’s just a self- care and reflective tool and can be really great at gaining some deeper insight in to something you might not be able to fully articulate yourself.

I promoted my fundraising event by creating some social media posts which was actually the first time I’d shared what was going on with Wesley, so it generated a lot of additional support which was unexpected! I set aside a day that I’d do the readings so the posts had details of how to book and pay via PayPal. I asked for a £5 minimum donation but many people donated more. It actually caught the eye of a woman I went to school with who was born with a rare disease and she donated a bouquet of dried flowers to be raffled off when you booked a reading.

All in all, we ended up raising £535 just through making some posts on Facebook and Instagram and word of mouth. I had a lot of fun doing it and it didn’t take much time at all. I managed to get through them all by mid evening whilst looking after a poorly 4 month old!!

I must admit I have been reluctant to do fundraising in the past because I’ve found the idea a little bit intimidating and felt I had to make a huge grand gesture or spend a lot of time and money planning and creating events. But really this cost me nothing besides some time and it generated a lot of money. It also brought in some additional support from people I would have never connected with otherwise.

So I’m so glad I did it and am hoping that this year’s Big Yellow Friday goes just as well!

The post This cost me nothing besides some time appeared first on Childrens Liver Disease Foundation.

A young man from Flitwick who received a life-saving liver transplant as a baby, is walking 310,000 steps this month in a bid to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Paul Robinson, 24, a pensions officer for West Northants Council, was born with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia, and received a liver transplant when he was just ten months old.

“My parents, like most people, knew nothing about liver disease in children,” explains Paul. “But Children’s Liver Disease Foundation were there for them with information about my condition and what it meant from me. Throughout my childhood, they continued to give all of us information, support and advice, whether it was through their leaflets, members of the team at hospital appointments or the wealth of information on their website. They also put me in touch with other children with similar experiences to mine.

“They’re a small charity but their work is vital and as their national fundraising day, Big Yellow Friday, is taking place on March 31, I decided to take on a month-long challenge.”

Paul is planning to do 10,000 steps every day during March, something he would have found impossible when he was young.

“I had many hospital appointments and was tired a lot, so couldn’t do many different activities in the week, like my friends could,” he says. “It’s one of the reasons that meeting other children in my situation through CLDF was so helpful. I realised I wasn’t alone. Now, thankfully, my health is much better. I no longer suffer from that extreme tiredness, so I can enjoy seeing my friends and having a life outside work. I remember well what it was like to feel isolated as a youngster though, so I thought it was time to put my energy to some good use. I don’t normally do long walks other than on holiday, so I’m sure I’ll have aching legs for the first few days at least but I’m determined to see this through!”

Rebecca Cooper, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this, however, we rely on voluntary donations, so Big Yellow Friday is a really important day for us and we are delighted to hear that Paul is joining in with a month-long challenge. It’s a wonderful way of giving back and helping other young people like him.”

You can support Paul’s 310,000 step challenge by  going to Paul Robinson is fundraising for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (justgiving.com)

The post Paul’s month long challenge to give back appeared first on Childrens Liver Disease Foundation.

Coffee mornings can be a brilliant Big Yellow Friday fundraiser as well as a great excuse for a get together. Emma has done one every year for several years, raising over £8000 for CLDF. Here she shares her tips for maximising income and minimising stress.

• Be relaxed with your timings – if you’re happy to make it an open house, for example, 10am til 1pm, people are more likely to drop in and won’t feel bad if they can only stay a short time

• Spread the word – WhatsApp is a brilliant way of getting details around quickly. I always create a little flyer and share it with various groups I’m part of but you don’t even need to go to that trouble if you don’t want to. As long as you tell people the where, when and why, send a message to whichever of your groups you feel appropriate. And do tell everyone they can bring a friend/mum/granny!

• Give a few weeks’ notice – people are busy but they’ll always make time for coffee and cake for a good cause if they have notice

• Ask people to bake cakes – don’t be shy about doing that – most people are happy to bring a cake given some notice and those that hate baking will probably make a donation!

• Do a raffle – ask people for prize donations and say yes to everything. We all have an unwanted gift or bottle of something in the cupboard and it’s great to think it could raise funds for something worthwhile.

• Buy a load of napkins – and use them instead of plates for the cakes – it will save your washing up

• Give people jobs – you won’t be able to do everything yourself so delegate. Put one person on drinks making duty, one on the raffle, someone else to answer the door etc

• Set up a Just Giving page – then if people can’t come along they can make a donation instead

• Let people know how much you raised – this is really important. If people have taken time out to come along, do get back to them afterwards and let them know what a difference they’ve made.

• Make it an annual thing – I tend to do a Big Yellow Friday coffee morning every year and, because it’s a great opportunity for a catch up, I find people will even book the day off work. And if friends and acquaintances are having a nice chat over coffee and a cake, then it doesn’t feel like fundraising at all, which is exactly as it should be!

Don’t forget to let us know about your coffee morning by emailing fundraising@childliverdisease.org

The post Top ten tips for coffee morning success! appeared first on Childrens Liver Disease Foundation.

Val (right) with her granddaughter Maisie and her good friends (left to right) Sue, Eve and Celia who helped her run the stall

I first joined in with Big Yellow Friday in 2020 because my gorgeous baby grandson had been diagnosed with Alagille syndrome the previous year and was on the waiting list for a liver transplant. (Thankfully he received one later that year and is now doing really well).

I wanted to do something positive for him so decided on a cake sale and, together with some friends, we set up a little stall in the centre of Saffron Waldon where we live. I was a hairdresser at the time and I shared my plan with all my clients, as well as friends and family – in fact anyone I bumped into.  And so many people helped me with their delicious baking that, when we set up our stall on the day, I was concerned we had too many cakes!

I needn’t have worried. The support we had from local people was just amazing. In addition to the cake sale, my sister Vivienne did a raffle and that brought the total to almost £1500.

I think it proves both what big hearts the people of Saffron Walden have and also that no-one can resist home-made cake. To anyone planning some Big Yellow Friday fundraising, I would say a cake sale is definitely a winner!

Val’s sister Viv, helped by her friends, Eve and Christine, boosted the cake sale total with a raffle.

The post Life is always better with cake appeared first on Childrens Liver Disease Foundation.

For Big Yellow Friday last year, Teddy and Posey (who were then seven and five) undertook the challenge of walking 50 miles over a month, in support of their little cousin, Lola, who had recently been diagnosed with autoimmune liver disease and spent much of the previous Christmas in hospital.

Posey and Teddy clocked up 50 miles

“We wanted to do something to help and to show Lola we love her, so mummy, suggested a walk. 50 miles sounded cool,” they explained.

By doing a little every day, they not only clocked up the required distance but smashed their original target of £100, raising a fantastic £625 for CLDF!

The achievement meant they both felt justifiably proud of themselves:

“We thought it was quite a hard challenge to walk 50 miles in February, but we knew we could do it. After we had completed it, we felt very proud and victorious because 50 miles is a lot but we just had to do a little bit at a time. We were proud that we raised so much money for the charity because it helped our little cousin Lola”.

They were delighted to have succeeded in their challenge.

If you’d like to take on a Big Yellow Friday challenge to give you that winning feeling, please let us know. You can tell us your idea here or contact us at fundraising@childliverdisease.org for materials and support.

The post Why not set yourself a Big Yellow Friday challenge! appeared first on Childrens Liver Disease Foundation.