A night of bingo is set to provide “festive fun” and raise much needed funds for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

Cathy Edwards of Levrington along has organised the Christmas themed bingo night along with help from local businesses providing prizes.

The charity is close to Cathy’s heart after her nine year old son, Ben, was born with a rare liver disease, alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency

The event, at Parson Drove Village Hall, will take place on Thursday December 21. Doors will open at 6pm and eyes down at 7:30pm

Cathy said: “The CLDF has been a great support to us ever since Ben was first diagnosed; through the charity we have built up a network of other families which we find invaluable.

“We want to raise funds for research in the hope that one day a cure will be found for Ben and other children like him.

“We first organised a bingo evening four years ago. My mum, who is a bingo regular, wanted to raise the funds and we thought this would be something fun and easy for people of all ages to join in.

“It worked really well and has now become an annual event. We are hoping to make this year’s the best so far.”

Cathy’s event has already caught the eye of businesses that want to lend a hand. Domino’s Pizza is among the local companies donating raffle prizes for the fundraiser.

Cathy added: “Local businesses have been really generous and we’re delighted to have some great raffle prizes lined up.

“I’m really grateful to Casey, Maureen, Lonnie and Christine who run the weekly bingo sessions and also assist us with the running of this event.

“The biggest thank you however goes to my mum, Diane Cunningham, who helps me plan the event and gathers raffle prizes throughout the year.

“We sell the bingo books for just £1 each and raffle tickets for 50p a strip so it’s a really affordable way for people to come along and enjoy a fun evening while supporting a fantastic cause.”

Alison Taylor, chief executive of CLDF, said: “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 entirely on voluntary donations so we are delighted to hear that Cathy and her family are doing this for us.

“We really appreciate all the hard work everyone has put in. It sounds a great event and every penny raised will go towards supporting young people like Ben around the UK.”

To make a donation, contact Cathy on simcat04@btinternet.com or call: 07889 219575.

More information on the CLDF is available at: childliverdisease.org.