Purple lights for epilepsy charity

DISCOVERY Point in Dundee alongside the iconic RRS Discovery is set to be lit up purple in a bid to raise awareness of epilepsy on Sunday.

March 26 marks Purple Day, which was founded in Canada by Cassidy Megan, 9, in 2008 and provides an opportunity to get people talking about epilepsy and dispel the stigma attached to the condition.

More than 40 buildings across Scotland will be lit up purple on the day, including six locations across the city of Perth: Perth Bridge, Norrie Miller Park, St Matthew’s Church of Scotland, St Paul’s Square, Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall.

St Salvator’s Quad at St Andrews University will also be lit up in purple.

Epilepsy Scotland is asking schools, the local community and people in their workplaces to wear something purple throughout March to help raise awareness and show support to the estimated 58,000 people living with the condition in Scotland.

The charity’s Purple Day campaign has been supported by football clubs Queen’s Park and Raith Rovers as well as ice hockey team the Glasgow Clan.

Epilepsy Scotland chief executive Lesslie Young said: “We are delighted so many landmarks across Scotland will light up purple for Purple Day.

“These displays help us raise awareness of epilepsy with the aim of diminishing social stigma.

“Awareness days are a great opportunity for people to learn more about epilepsy and to support our vital services, including our national helpline, wellbeing services and information available through our website.

“We would really like to see people sharing photos of their own purple day activities as well as pictures of landmarks and buildings being lit up in their areas,” she added.

“It should be a fun day for all, but with the aim of helping others.”

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder and is defined as the tendency to have repeated brain seizures.

People may lose awareness of what is happening or where they are during the seizure, or they may lose consciousness altogether.

RAISING AWARENESS: Discovery Point and the RRS Discovery will shine a light on epilepsy in hopes of dispelling stigma around the condition.