Mackays Hotel in Wick to be lit up purple to raise awareness of epilepsy

Mackays Hotel in Wick will light up purple to help raise awareness of epilepsy for Purple Day on Sunday, March 26.

Purple Day was founded in Canada by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan in 2008 and is a great opportunity to get people talking about epilepsy and dispel the myths and stigma attached to the condition.

Over 40 buildings and landmarks across Scotland which will be lit up purple on Sunday, March 26.

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

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

Epilepsy Scotland’s 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 the social stigma that can surround it.

“Awareness days such as Purple Day 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. It should be a fun day for all but with the aim of helping others."

To get involved in Purple Day, please go to Epilepsy Scotland’s website at www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/purpleday

You can also email fundraising@epilepsyscotland.org.uk

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder and is defined as the tendency to have repeated seizures (not just one) which start in the brain. A brief disturbance in the brain’s normal electrical activity causes the nerve cells to fire off random signals.

The result is like an electrical storm that causes a temporary overload in the brain. There are over 40 different types of seizures. Some end in seconds while others may last several minutes. People may lose their awareness of what is happening or where they are during a seizure. They may lose consciousness altogether.

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