Seven Sunderland landmarks will be lit up this month as part of worldwide campaign

A man with three rare diseases has arranged for Sunderland landmarks to be lit for a good cause – from the other side of the world.
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Andrew Bannister, 29, lives in Perth, Australia and was diagnosed with three rare diseases when he 17-years-old.

It means he now lives with periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH), a neuronal migration disorder which can cause seizures and more; polymicrogyria, a condition characterised by abnormal development of the brain before birth and cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed.

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Few have heard of the conditions and to raise awareness of these and other rare conditions, Andrew began championing World Rare Disease Day, which this year takes place on February 28.

Sunderland landmarks will be lit for Rare Disease Day 2021Sunderland landmarks will be lit for Rare Disease Day 2021
Sunderland landmarks will be lit for Rare Disease Day 2021

Last year, the European and USA Rare Disease organisations had landmarks such as Empire State Building in New York, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Leaning Tower of Pisa and Colosseum in Rome lit for Rare Disease Day and Andrew himself arranged for 35 landmarks around Australia and the rest of the world to be lit.

This year he’s almost doubled that and has arranged for 62 to be lit, including seven in Sunderland after he contacted Sunderland City Council.

On February 28, Penshaw Monument, Northern Spire Bridge, Keel Square, High Street West, Market Square, Fulwell Mill and Hylton Castle will be lit in pink, green, blue and purple which are the colours of the Rare Disease logo.

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Andrew said: “I am very proud that all these landmarks across the world are lighting up because it raises awareness of Rare Diseases. It is important to do this so that people who live with a Rare Disease feel that they are not isolated, it helps to raise money for research and to remember those who have passed away from a Rare Disease.

Andrew Banister contacted Sunderland City Council from Perth, AustraliaAndrew Banister contacted Sunderland City Council from Perth, Australia
Andrew Banister contacted Sunderland City Council from Perth, Australia

"On Monday I listened to a Podcast about a family in the UK whose son has a Rare Disease and it makes feel so proud that I am doing my bit to raise awareness for Rare Diseases.

"I look forward to seeing all the landmarks and buildings in Sunderland lit up.”

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