Congleton woman sets out on fundraising mission after mum left unrecognisable by liver disease
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 9th May 2025
A Congleton woman has set out to raise money for charity following her mother's struggles with liver disease.
Rumba will host a cake and cocktails event this summer to raise money for three charities – Pancreatic Cancer UK, British Liver Trust and Crohn's & Colitis UK.
It has been organised by Claire Jackson, inspired by her mother Helen's recent battle with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, resulting in hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
HE refers to changes in the brain resulting from the liver being unable to remove toxins from the blood.
Claire, who works at Rodeheath Primary, said: "It's kind of like dementia, it causes personality changes.
"It basically takes over the person and they are just not the person you know.
"It was really intense."
She added: "If you looked at my mum, you would think she had been drinking because of the way she walked and how aggressive she was.
"She's not an aggressive person at all, it was just really difficult
"As a family it has been hard because you love them dearly but there were days I didn't like her."
Helen, 62, was put on the list for a liver transplant.
This came with its own challenges, including a failed attempt.
When the family eventually received the call to say a donor had become available, they had just two hours to get to the hospital in Birmingham.
"I drove like a mad woman," said Claire.
"Since the operation the HE has disappeared and I have got my mum back.
"She's doing amazing now!"
The fundraiser, on June 22, will feature live music from Ben Saville and the Hairy Bartenders.
There is also a raffle featuring a range of prizes including Congleton Eats vouchers and a night in a shepherd's hut.
It's not the first time Claire has organised such a soiree, having put on a similar event in 2022 following the death of her father, age 54.
"Much like the HE, we had no idea what happened," Claire said.
"It masks as so many different diseases that by the time doctors had worked out what it was, it was too late.
"We're putting on this fundraiser as if someone had done it before then we might still have our dad and that's priceless."
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