Northern Ireland

Schools urged to `shine' to raise awareness of spina bifida

The aim of the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day is to raise awareness and understanding
The aim of the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day is to raise awareness and understanding The aim of the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day is to raise awareness and understanding

SCHOOLS are being urged to "wear yellow and shine" to raise awareness of spina bifida.

The charity Shine, which provides vital life-long support pre-birth and beyond to individuals and families, are keen to work with schools and colleges.

Shine wants to improve young people's knowledge of spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Spina bifida develops during pregnancy and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including problems with movement, bladder and bowel, and problems associated with hydrocephalus - excess fluid on the brain.

A baby is more likely to have learning difficulties if they develop hydrocephalus.

Shine is now urging schools to take part in events to mark World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day on October 25, which aims to raise understanding and to advocate and promote the rights of people with these conditions.

Schools can choose from a range activities or create their own using the theme "wear yellow and shine" to help increase understanding among peers and professionals while raising much needed funds to support the charity's work.

Fundraiser Dr Anne Rice said she was keen to talk to any school representative keen to take part.

"You can do anything yellow, from dressing up to face-painting, just let us know what you've got planned and we'll send out a schools pack with lots more ideas for things you might want to do all year round," she said.

For more information or to request a pack contact Cathy McKillop on 07762574861 cathy.mckillop@shinecharity.org.uk, or Dr Anne Rice on 07400116065, 07710154792 or anne.rice@shinecharity.co.uk.