The Bo'ness & Carriden Band held a fantastic charity concert on Friday evening in aid of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) liver disease research.

Worldwide appeal

The event also has a worldwide appeal, as it was set up to help the ongoing research for sufferers such as Scott Edmond, the son of former Scottish Brass Band Association Development Manager Alan Edmond.

15 year old Scott was diagnosed with the rare condition last year in Australia — one that is currently incurable and progressive, and which causes the destruction of the bile ducts, tumours, repeated infections, abdomen pain, jaundice, fatigue, uncontrollable itching and many more challenging symptoms. He also has Ulcerative Colitis which is common with PSC as well as Eosinophilic Oesophagitis.

Over time, the liver becomes scarred and damaged which ultimately leads to cirrhosis and complete liver failure. Scott is currently at stage 2 fibrosis — stage 4 is cirrhosis.

No cure

At present there is no known cure and a transplant is the only option when end-stage liver disease is reached. Unfortunately the disease reoccurs in 1 in 4 cases and further transplants are required.

Scott's sister Hayley plays flugel with Bo'ness & Carriden and as soon as the band heard of Scott's condition they set about the fund raising concert which thanks to plenty of innovative thinking enjoyed messages of support from people from all over the banding world.

Scott's a great young man — and if we can help in some way then it's been worthwhile and two charities will gain extra funds to help them with their essential researchCharlie Farren

Stories

MD Charlie Farren told 4BR: "Alan has done so much for Scottish banding over the years and has friends all over the banding world, so to be able to put this concert on was a real privilege and great fun. It was amazing how many people knew a story or two to be told about him!!

Scott's a great young man — and if we can help in some way then it's been worthwhile and two charities ('PSC Support' & Kings College Hospital, London) will gain extra funds to help them with their essential research."

Donation page

A donation page has been created for those wishing to help:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/ScottsLiverAdventure