PEOPLE in Inverness are in for a twilight treat when they look at the Ness Bridge on Purple Day, Thursday 26 March.
Local company, Matching Pairs, which supports Epilepsy Scotland’s Turn Your World Purple awareness-raising campaign decided to approach Highland Council which agreed to colour the bridge purple and get people talking about epilepsy.
The company is also holding a first-date night for the national charity that same evening in the Palace Hotel so customers can see the bridge as they talk to new people.
Matching Pairs director, Donna Williams, explained why she wants to fundraise for a cause that affects an estimated 54,000 people in Scotland: “My grandson, Bailey, has severe epilepsy and he struggles to get through the day because of seizures.
“You can understand why epilepsy is at the front of our minds. We were thinking about holding a fundraiser for epilepsy on Purple Day because it’s the international day to raise awareness in fun ways. It’s cool that our charity night will have an extra purple glow!
“We’ve also had brilliant support from local businesses giving raffles prizes for our night.”
Epilepsy Scotland chief executive, Lesslie Young, said: “We are excited that Ness Bridge is among several Scottish landmarks to put their spotlights on Purple Day. We appreciate each company, MSP, school, and our supporters up and down the country, who are joining in to help us raise public awareness. The more people talk freely about epilepsy, the less likely it is that social barriers and stigma will remain.
“Everyone can take part in Purple Day in their own way. Our website has a dedicated page with many useful ideas and suggestions. Whether you decide to wear purple and send a selfie to our web page, go on social media to make a wish for epilepsy, or fundraise for us, all your actions are helping to bring epilepsy into the limelight.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Epilepsy Scotland works with people living with epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard.
We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma.
This common serious neurological condition affects one in 97 people. We represent 54,000 people with epilepsy in Scotland, their families and carers.
Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers support and information, text 07786 209501, email: enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk, find us on Facebook or Twitter @epilepsy_scot or visit: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Matching Pairs is based in Inverness and arranges speed dating events. Donna Williams can be reached on 07487675060.
The Ness Bridge will be lit purple by Highland Council. It joins Oban’s McCaig’s Tower, the Falkirk Wheel and Glencoe Mountain Resort in celebrating the charity’s Turn Scotland Purple/Turn Your World Purple campaign.
Purple Day started in 2008. For more details call: Allana Parker, Public Affairs Officer 07884 012 147 or 0141 427 4911.
MEDIA RELEASE issued by Epilepsy Scotland. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka Press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.
Check out twitter.com/nonstopstories for your very own media releases feed…
Check out too twitter.com/allCharitiesPR. Check out too twitter.com/allInvernessPR.
To catch up on all the media releases recently posted on to allmediascotland.com, you need only click the link icon that you see towards the bottom right of our two media release ‘gateway boxes’.
It’s this icon, here. It’s your route straight into the rich archive.
—
Epilepsy Scotland contact details…
Contact: Allana Parker
Phone: 07884012147
Email: aparker@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
