Calls for the country to light up in blue

Parkinson's UK Scotland has launched its 2020 campaign calling for landmarks and buildings across Scotland to light up in blue to mark World Parkinson's Day on 11th April.

Last year 90 Scottish locations lit up to mark the day and a further dozen or so sites in the rest of the UK showed their support by lighting up too.

The charity is launching the campaign to promote better understanding of a condition that affects around 12,400 people in Scotland. Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s and better public understanding of the impact of the condition can have a hugely positive impact on the lives of those who live with it.

The campaign is spearheaded by one of the charity’s volunteers - Karen McConnell from Glasgow. Karen got involved with the charity after a school project on Sir Billy Connolly inspired 8yo daughter Abby to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK. When he heard about Abby’s exploits Billy arranged to meet young Abby and her family to thank them.

Karen said: “It was amazing last year to get the support from 90 locations across Scotland. This year we’re aiming even higher and want even more landmarks, big and small, to join in by lighting up in blue. I’m looking for help from anyone and everyone to make this happen. If you know of buildings that can light up then I’d love to hear about them and if you can help arrange it that’s even better. I’ve got great support from local Parkinson’s groups working hard in their areas to persuade people and organisations to join in but I welcome any assistance that people can offer. The more helpers who can lend a hand the better, after all many hands make light work!”

Annie Macleod, Director of Parkinson’s UK Scotland, says: “As well as a bit of fun the light up campaign is also important to the Parkinson’s community. Parkinson’s symptoms are often brutal and can leave people and their families feeling isolated. A local landmark, church or shop lighting up in blue is a powerful reminder to people that they are not alone and shows people care and are aware of the condition.”

To support the light up campaign please contact Karen at lightupscotlandforparkinsons@gmail.com and to see the locations that lit up last year visit https://www.google.com/maps/

Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.
For advice, information and support, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

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