Mum’s vital charity bid

MUM Helen Slater has now raised more than £10,000 for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation.

With the help of Melbourn-based Esse Retail and Therapy, Helen, 40, organised a fashion party which raised £1,000 for the charity.

The charity is close to Helen's heart as her five-year-old son Oscar Davies suffers from biliary atresia, a rare liver condition in which his bile duct blocks up and builds up over time, and poisons his liver.

As a result Oscar has to administer a drug five times a day into his mouth with a plastic syringe.

Oscar, who goes to school in Orwell, was diagnosed when he was nine-and-a-half weeks old, and has since had to have a life-saving operation.

Helen believes it is only a matter of time before he has to have another one.

She said: "We have come to the conclusion that at some point Oscar will probably have to have a transplant.

"At the moment there is no known cure for biliary atresia, so research needs to be done to stop this illness in the future.

"But a transplant seems to be the only solution.

"Events like the fashion show are extremely important in contributing money for such projects.

"The charity helps children lead a full life and empowers both young people and their families to try to take control of their lives once a liver disease has been diagnosed.

It was the third time that Helen and Esse owner Sally Saunders have held a fashion show - and they have now raised more than £2,500 for the foundation.

"It makes a real difference as it also helps raise awareness. Not many people really know about children's liver diseases so events like this generate knowledge and help a good cause," said Helen.

"The money raised goes towards researching the illness, which is extremely important for families like us, and all those affected by the disease."

n For further information about the Children's Liver Disease Foundation visit www.childliverdisease.org