Parents' plea to help baby Otis

Jon Roscoe, 33, has been joined by members of the Wigan fire crew to raise money and awareness for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), who are supporting the family following baby Otis’ bleak diagnosis.

Otis was recently diagnosed with biliary atresia, a condition which affects his liver and bile ducts causing the organ to become blocked and stop working properly.

“He had major surgery to improve his liver function when he was just a few weeks old but unfortunately this was not successful and we now know he will need a liver transplant before he is one,” said Jon.

The brave dad-of-one and his wife Danielle have since been supported by the charity, which helps families with children who have serious liver disease by providing information, short breaks and activities tailored to the patient.

“We are both quite positive people,” he said. “That’s part of the reason we are doing this. We don’t want to sit back and feel sorry for ourselves we want to help raise as much awareness as we can for this charity and the amazing things they do.

“The past six months have been a roller coaster of emotions for us and this is where CLDF have been invaluable. They have been there with support for us and we know that this support will be available to Otis as he grows up. Sadly, there is still no cure for children’s liver disease and we have a long journey ahead of us.”

Jon and Danielle are being joined by around 30 friends and family, including star of the day Otis, who they are carrying more than 3,000 ft to be with them at the top. Their incredible story of resilience has touched so many people that the couple has already almost reached their £2,500 target.

Alison Taylor, chief executive of the charity: “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 almost entirely on voluntary donations, so we are delighted to hear that Jon and Danielle have inspired people to join them on their Snowdon trek. Their fundraising is going brilliantly and will make a real difference to children like Otis around the UK.”

To support the family click here