WATCH the skyline glow on Saturday 26 March as the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel help to highlight international Purple Day for epilepsy.
Both iconic structures are supporting Epilepsy Scotland’s awareness campaign where Scottish landmarks Turn Scotland Purple to get people talking about epilepsy.
The national charity’s chief executive, Lesslie Young, said: “Scottish Canals have presented us with a wonderful opportunity to raise public awareness through lighting the Kelpies and turning the Falkirk Wheel purple.
“Each is a celebrated Scottish landmark which attracts hundreds of visitors everyday both from home and abroad.
“Our Turn Scotland Purple campaign promotes the fact that epilepsy affects around 55,000 people across the country.
“Purple Day affords a way to share information about epilepsy and hopefully to lessen the social stigma that surrounds it. We are grateful to individuals, schools and colleges, workplaces and commercial companies, local councils and MSPs for taking part in Purple Day.
“We now have one million supporters for our social media thunderclap that epilepsy is more than seizures. These joint efforts are really bringing epilepsy into the spotlight.”
Richard Millar, director of Heritage, Enterprise & Sustainability at Scottish Canals, said: “Scottish Canals, along with our partners Falkirk Council and Falkirk Community Trust, are proud to play a part in the Turn Scotland Purple campaign.
“The Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies are two of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks; by turning them purple we hope to support Epilepsy Scotland’s awareness-raising work and encourage even more people to get involved in Purple Day.”
ENDS
Notes to editor:
1. Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by 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 the 55,000 people with epilepsy, their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers support and information. People can email (enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk), text 07786 209501, find us on Facebook, use Twitter @epilepsy_scot or visit: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
2. Purple Day is on 26 March.It was founded in Canada by nine year-old Cassidy Megan in 2008 who has epilepsy herself: www.purpleday.org Historically, lavender is the international colour associated with epilepsy. Purple Day is a fun way for the public to learn more about epilepsy by doing activities that spotlight epilepsy
3. Epilepsy Scotland’s Turn Purple Scotland campaign, now in its third year, encourages people to ask for iconic landmarks across the country to be lit up or turn purple. As a result, Ness Bridge (Inverness) will once more be floodlit purple while the Scottish Borders Council flagpole will display a purple flag. Scottish Canals will light up the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, and customers at Glencoe Mountain Resort have purple ribbons for snowmen. Ayr United football team has also agreed to wear their purple and white away team strip at their home game on Purple Day, Saturday 26 March. Fraserburgh Academy will have purple tones at the weekend and commuters will see purple sheep on the Pyramid Business Park at Livingstone.
4. Epilepsy Scotland’s thunderclap will go live at noon on Saturday 26 March:
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/37058-epilepsy-is-more-than-seizures
Or people can link directly to the thunderclap from Epilepsy Scotland’s website: http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/index.php?act=viewNews&docId=212
5. Three Hovis sites in Glasgow are turning purple. The company is also promoting Purple Day and epilepsy awareness on the packaging for Mothers Pride loaves till mid-July.
6. Twilight is expected around 6.45pm on Saturday 26 March.
7. For more details please contact:
· Allana Parker, public relations officer, on: 0141 427 4911 or 07884 012 147
Email: aparker@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
· Chris McDonald, Scottish Canals communications executive, on 0141 354 7556 (DD: 5056) or 07917 217 608
8. Copyright, image: Ben Williams, The Helix.
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Epilepsy Scotland contact details…
Contact: Allana Parker
Phone: 07884012147
Email: aparker@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
