Tamsin wants to help others (From Witney Gazette)

Tamsin wants to help others

9:00am Wednesday 27th September 2006 in Witney By Maddy Biddulph

A GIRL from Carterton who was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease turned ten this month - a birthday her family feared they might never see.

Tamsin Burrows was born on September 24, 1996, in Germany, where her father, Paul, was stationed with the Royal Air Force.

She was jaundiced from birth, and did not seem to be gaining weight, so her concerned mother Debbie took her to the doctors during a visit back to England.

Tamsin was rushed to hospital where tests revealed that her liver was not functioning properly, and eventually she was diagnosed with biliary atresia, an incurable liver disease.

After enduring a serious operation aged just 11 weeks, she was allowed home, where she recovered well.

Now, almost ten years on, Tamsin is living in Carterton and using her experiences to promote the work of Children's Liver Disease Foundation, which fights childhood liver diseases through funding pioneering research and education.

Formed in 1980, it provides professional and emotional support to families affected, and is the only organisation of its kind in the UK.

Mr Burrows said: "It was devastating to be told that our child had this incurable liver disease that we'd never even heard of.

"At the time we felt so alone, but we've since learnt that two children, like Tamsin, are diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease every day in the UK, so there are thousands of families affected."

His wife added: "We met with support officers from the charity during Tamsin's time in hospital, and they were a real lifeline, providing information, advice, and support.

"They helped show there was a future for our family, and it was great to know they understood what we were going through, and were there to help."

Tamsin, who loves playing the violin and reading, has asked for a microscope and skeleton model for her birthday, as she is keen to be a liver specialist when she grows up.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of Children's Liver Disease Foundation, said: "We are delighted that Tamsin is doing so well.

"Few people realise that more children are diagnosed with liver disease than childhood leukaemia, and there are currently no cures, just a lifetime of care ahead."

For further information about the charity, visit www.childliverdisease.org, or call 0121 212 3839.