Derry landmarks to light up blue for World NF Awareness Month
229 buildings sand landmarks across the UK and Ireland will be illuminating to raise vital awareness for Nerve Tumours UK
Derry City and Strabane District Council offices and ‘The Tinnies’ sculpture in Strabane are set to light up in blue this Sunday, May 17 to support the national ‘Shine a Light on NF’ campaign.
The local landmarks will join 229 buildings across the UK and Ireland illuminating to raise vital awareness for Nerve Tumours UK during World NF Awareness Month this May.
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is an incurable neuro-genetic condition that causes tumours to grow on nerve endings. It is a collective medical term encompassing Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), NF2-related-Schwannomatosis (NF2), and Schwannomatosis (SWN). Together, they form one of the most common neuro-genetic conditions, despite still being classified as a rare condition.
The condition affects more than 26,500 children and adults living across the UK. While parents have a 50% chance of passing the genetic condition on to their children, half of all new diagnoses are completely new to a family history.
For over 45 years, Nerve Tumours UK has worked to provide dedicated support and advice to diagnosed individuals, their families, carers, and wider professional networks, including teachers, employers, and medical teams.
In Northern Ireland, the charity funds a Specialist NF Nurse/Advisor based at Belfast City Hospital to care for local individuals and families.
Members of the public are encouraged to look out for the blue illuminations this Sunday and visit the official website to learn more about the condition and the support services available.