North East landmarks to shine bright blue for Parkinson’s awareness

Those lighting up blue include Redcar Beacon and Bishop Auckland Town Hall, shedding light on the condition faced by over 145,000 people in the UK.

Organised by the Northumberland and Tyne & Wear Active Persons Branch of Parkinson’s, the day will also see an awareness event held at Gateshead’s Metro Centre Community Hub.

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Kirsty McDowell, Area Development Manager for Parkinson’s UK , has emphasised the importance of the event to spread awareness of Parkinson’s as the charity appeals for people with Parkinson’s to submit poetry this year.

She said: “World Parkinson’s Day is a great opportunity for us to show the thousands of people affected by the condition across the North East that they are not alone. I’m grateful for our fantastic volunteers who have helped get these locations to light up.

“We’d love to see as many buildings lit up blue as possible, and for local people to feel inspired to write poems. It’s only when we start these important conversations that people can gain awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s.”

North East landmarks will join a list of other UK buildings taking part in the event, including Hull City Hall and London’s Tower 42.

Other places locals can see coloured blue include Sunderland Royal Hospital, Newcastle Civic Centre, Redcar Leisure and Community Heart and University Hospital of Hartlepool.

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Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Fundraising and Experience at Parkinson’s UK, has said he is “delighted” landmarks will turn blue.

He added: “Lighting up on World Parkinson’s Day can start conversations, raise awareness and help people feel less alone.

“We hope it inspires other landmarks and businesses to celebrate the bright and brilliant and support everyone affected by this condition.”