Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club hosted its first ever charity day on May 8th raising £1,000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) a charity close to the heart of one of its members.
“CLDF have provided our family with information and support ever since my daughter, Isabella who is now 14, was diagnosed with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia,” explains club member, John Pascoe. “Her first year was very difficult, particularly when she had to undergo a liver transplant, but the charity was there when we needed them and continue to support Isabella through her teenage years.
“We wanted to give something back and to know that all families in our situation would still receive this kind of help, so I suggested the idea of a charity day to the tennis club and was delighted to receive such a positive response.”
The day took the form of a morning session for families and an afternoon tournament for adults, culminating in a final with medals and a trophy for the winners. Funds were raised from an entry fee, buffet and a raffle and the day was such a success, it is now to be an annual event with a different charity to be nominated each year.
Katherine Myles, Interim 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 we are delighted that Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club decided to support us in this way. The funds raised will enable us to continue to make a difference to families affected by childhood liver disease throughout the UK.”
