SPRING has sprung and the nights are getting lighter, but we can’t wait for the sun to set on Sunday 26 March!
Watch the skyline glow as Scottish landmarks from – Aberdeen to the Borders – help to raise awareness of epilepsy for International Purple Day.
Several local councils and public bodies are proudly supporting Epilepsy Scotland’s public awareness campaign to get people talking about epilepsy by Painting the Town Purple!
The Scottish charity’s policy officer, Anissa Tonberg, said: “Purple Day is the perfect opportunity to get our supporters involved and to raise awareness.
“Not only do we have hundreds of supporters wearing our purple ribbons or wristbands but this is the chance for local authorities to fly the purple flag too – literally!
“Various landmarks are featured in our Paint the Town Purple campaign which once again sees the Scottish Borders Council offices proudly flying a purple flag.
“Epilepsy affects around 55,000 people and impacts every community in Scotland. These displays help us to raise awareness of the condition with the aim of diminishing the social stigma that surrounds it.
“We are grateful to every individual, school, college and workplace and to the local councils and public bodies for taking part in Purple Day.
“We hope to see as many of our supporters sharing their photos of their own purple day activities and celebrating the participation of our local authorities by visiting these landmarks on 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: epilepsyscotland.org.uk
2. Purple Day is on 26 March. It was founded in Canada by nine years old Cassidy Megan in 2008 who has epilepsy herself: 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 Paint the Town Purple campaign encourages people to ask for iconic landmarks across the country to be lit up or turn purple. As a result, the Scottish Borders Council flagpole will display a purple flag once again.
4. Epilepsy Scotland staff and volunteers will bookend Purple Day with public collections at Central Station in Glasgow. Thanks to Network Rail, our teams will be promoting epilepsy awareness from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th March and again on Monday 27 March 2017.
5. This year, local councils have been invited to turn a famous building, castle, bridge or other public place purple and the response, to date, is:
Aberdeen City Council – Marischal College
Scottish Borders Council – Offices in Newtown St Bothwells flagpole
South Lanarkshire Council – Hamilton Town Hall
East Renfrewshire Council – The Foundry, Barrhead
Dundee City Council – Dundee City Council Building, Slessor Gardens, Dundee
North Lanarkshire Council – Railway Viaduct at Centenary Park, Airdrie
Glasgow City Council – The Clyde Arc
6. Twilight is expected around 7.43pm on Sunday 26 March 2017.
7. For more details please contact:
Robyn Friel, head of Fundraising, on: 0141 427 4911 or 07534026670
Email: rfriel@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
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Epilepsy Scotland contact details…
Contact: Robyn Friel
Phone: 01414274911
Email: rfriel@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
