Norton mum tells of diagnosis "devastation" (From Stourbridge News)

Norton mum tells of diagnosis "devastation"

1:53pm Tuesday 3rd November 2009

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A NORTON mum has told of her devastation after her young son was diagnosed with life-threatening liver disease.

Alfie Taylor spent his first birthday in hospital after being diagnosed with the genetic condition alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

The illness causes serious damage to the liver and often leaves youngsters facing the prospect of a transplant to survive.

Alfie will be two on Monday November 9 and in the run up to the big day his mother, Nicola Taylor, has spoken of her fears as her son became ill and how the charity Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) supported the family through their ordeal.

Nicola said: “Alfie was taken to Russells Hall Hospital in March last year suffering with sickness and acid reflux. It was terrifying, he wasn’t eating or drinking at all and no-one knew why.

“In November liver function tests gave cause for concern and we were transferred to the specialist liver unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital just days before Alfie’s first birthday. We then received the diagnosis - it was devastating.”

“We take each day as it comes. Alfie’s liver is regularly monitored and we know he may need a transplant in the future.”

After Alfie was diagnosed with liver disease CLDF provided information and one-to-one support for his family which they say was a “lifeline” at a time when they felt alone.

The foundation also supports health workers by providing training to recognise childhood liver problems early and funds research into conditions like Alfie’s.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of CLDF, said: “Alfie’s story highlights the turmoil families go through when their child is diagnosed and then have to learn to live with childhood liver disease.

“With more UK children diagnosed with a liver disease than with childhood leukaemia, the need for CLDF’s work is growing.”

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