Media release: Widespread support for epilepsy awareness

SPRING has sprung and the nights are getting lighter but we can’t wait for the sun to set on Monday 26 March!

Scottish landmarks from Aberdeen to the Borders will turn purple to help 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, including Edinburgh Castle!

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 North Lanarkshire Council lighting the Airdrie Viaduct purple and the first time that Edinburgh Castle has supported the campaign. 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 editors:

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

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

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, Edinburgh Castle will light up purple on 26 March.

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 between 7am and 6pm on Thursday 22nd and Monday 26th March 2018.

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:

North Lanarkshire Council – Railway Viaduct at Centenary Park, Airdrie

North Ayrshire Council – Saltcoats Town Hall, Saltcoats

Edinburgh Castle

West Dunbartonshire Council – The Titan Crane, Clydebank

Twilight is expected around 7.22pm on Monday 26 March 2018.

For more details, please contact:

• Robyn Friel, head of Fundraising on: 0141 427 4911 or 07534026670

Email: rfriel@epilepsyscotland.org.uk

MEDIA RELEASE issued by Epilepsy Scotland. You too can share your stories (aka press or media releases), on this site. Email here for more information.

Contact: Robyn Friel
Phone: 01414274911
Email: rfriel@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk