Members of a bowling club in Romford have raised £2221 to support children and young people with rare liver diseases. St Chads Bowling Club have been fundraising for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) over the past year, having heard about the work of the charity through club members, Chris and Karen Cavanagh.
“Our granddaughter, Cydney who is now 10, developed a rare liver disease when she was just two months old,” explains Chris. “She required major surgery when she was just seven months old and over the years has undergone several more operations and procedures. Children’s Liver Disease Foundation have been there with information and support for our family from day one. Cydney will need more treatment throughout her life, and it is a comfort to us knowing that she will always be able to count on their support.
“The charity was a natural choice for St Chads to support, particularly as Cydney is a familiar face at the club. Over the past 12 months, we’ve held several social events, including bingo, karaoke and race nights, and have raffled off six fantastic hampers. We’re delighted to have raised £2221 for a cause which is so very close to our hearts and our newly elected club President, Pat Little, was delighted that her first official duty was to present the cheque to Cydney!”
“Many people don’t realise that liver disease is something which affects babies and children,” says Michelle Wilkins, Head of Children’s and Families Services at CLDF, which has now merged with the British Liver Trust to bring children’s and adult liver support services together. “But every year in the UK, around 400 children are diagnosed with a condition for which there is still no cure. A diagnosis means a lifetime of medical care and the effect on families is devastating.
“We provide those young people and their families with information, emotional support and a united voice. So, we’re very grateful to St Chads Bowling Club for this fantastic fundraising. The money they have raised will enable us to continue with this support for families like Cydney’s throughout the UK.”
