UK landmarks glow orange to raise awareness of rare genetic condition

Scottish Sun

5 days ago

The condition causes an overwhelming and uncontrollable drive to eat that can be life-limiting
GLOW UP UK landmarks glow orange to raise awareness of rare genetic condition
Some of the UK's most iconic landmarks were glowing orange last night - to raise awareness of a rare complex genetic condition that affects approximately 2,000 people in the UK.
London's Tower 42, Cardiff Castle, The Mersey Gateway Bridge and Green's Windmill in Nottingham were among the buildings to 'Glow Orange' to highlight Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS).
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A number of buildings across the UK were lit up orange last night to raise awarness for those affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), including Cardiff Castle pictured here
Credit: Matthew Horwood/PinPep
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The Mersey Gateway Bridge was also visibly orange last night to mark the end of PWS awareness month
Credit: Phil Oldham/PinPep
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Green's Windmill in Nottingham lit up in orange last night
Credit: James Linsell-Clark/PinPep
Southend Civic Centre, Worcester's Guild Hall and Edinburgh's Camera Obscura and World of Illusions were also illuminated in an orange.
The glow up lasted from sundown until sunrise, across 17 different landmarks, to mark the end of Prader-Willi Awareness month in May.
Nigel Birrell, CEO of Lottoland.co.uk which was behind the activation and a proud charity partner with a scratchcard dedicated to the cause said: 'The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA UK) is a cause that's very personal to me, and I've been a long-time admirer of the incredible work they carry out.
"It's been truly inspiring to witness so many landmarks across the country light up in support of PWS awareness - the level of engagement has really touched us.'
PWSA UK and FPWR UK (Foundation for Prader-Willi Research UK) have come together for a second year to plan and organise several events, which included one at the House of Lords on May 14th.
Hosted in the capital city, it included speeches from both charities and the PWS community who shared their experience of living with the condition.
The event also provided information to help people understand the complexities of PWS – the hope being that a better understanding will lead to more effective support which will save money and lives.
The aim of the various events was to generate awareness and understanding of this rare condition which causes an overwhelming and uncontrollable drive to eat that can be life-limiting, as well as learning and physical difficulties.
Together the charities are using the condition's initials to help people recognise key issues associated with the disorder.
P - Persistent hunger which can lead to life-threatening obesity.
The full list of lit-up buildings Tower 42
Bradford City Hall
Bridport Town Hall Clock
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Gateshead Millennium Bridge
The Mersey Gateway Bridge
Green's Windmill
Southend Civic Centre
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
The Guild Hall Worcester
Cardiff Castle
Moorish Castle (Gibraltar)
Ranfurly House Dungannon
Burnavon Cookstown
Bridewell Magherafelt
Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower
Titan Crane, Scotland
W - Warning signs absent, typical health warning signs are absent for people with PWS.
S – Specialist Care - people with the condition need specialist care, with round-the-clock supervision.
Jackie Lodge of PWSA UK and Catherine Shaw of FPWR UK issued a joint statement. They said: 'We're delighted that PWSA UK and FPWR UK have come together again for PWS month to raise awareness for such an important cause.
'We want to generate as much awareness about PWS as possible and by these buildings and landmarks lighting up orange it is a fantastic way to do so, on top of the other events that have taken place this month.
'We're really grateful to these buildings for shining a light on this important cause.'