On 26 January, Melksham Town Hall will be illuminated in red as part of a major nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Kawasaki Disease – the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the UK.
More than 140 landmarks, bridges, and iconic buildings across the country will take part in this coordinated “light‑up,” shining a spotlight on a serious and increasingly common children’s illness that many parents and carers still know very little about.
Kawasaki Disease is a significant cause of childhood hospital admissions. It is more common than measles and as serious as some forms of meningitis. Early recognition is vital: without quick diagnosis and treatment, around one in four children affected can suffer serious, lifelong heart damage.
By lighting up Melksham Town Hall, we are joining communities across the UK to support this important awareness effort and help ensure that families, carers, and healthcare professionals recognise the signs and symptoms of Kawasaki Disease.
This UK‑wide campaign has been coordinated by Societi, the UK Foundation for Kawasaki Disease, with support from families whose children have been affected. Their determination to better understand this illness has contributed to the largest light‑up event the charity has ever organised.
Local families affected by Kawasaki Disease played an important role in bringing this initiative to Melksham, recognising the crucial importance of early awareness. With swift diagnosis and treatment, most children go on to make a good recovery.
Professor Robert Tulloh, paediatric cardiologist and Chairman of Societi Foundation, said:
“Early diagnosis and rapid treatment reduces the risk of children with Kawasaki Disease suffering from devastating heart damage. Awareness of the signs and symptoms in the UK will help significantly with this, so this campaign will make a difference to children who are affected.”
Rachael McCormack, Founder of Societi Foundation, added:
“We are thrilled that Melksham Town Hall is joining landmarks across the UK in shining a light on Kawasaki Disease. Despite Kawasaki Disease being increasingly common, public awareness remains low, which means children are too often misdiagnosed and their hearts put at risk. This campaign is helping to protect children’s hearts – and we are incredibly grateful for Melksham’s support.”
By lighting up our Town Hall, Melksham stands with families affected by Kawasaki Disease and supports efforts to ensure no more children’s lives are put at unnecessary risk from delayed diagnosis.
For more information about Kawasaki Disease and the awareness campaign, visit www.societi.org.uk.