THE GATESHEAD Millennium Bridge will be the first landmark to be lit up with the colours of a national charity.

The British Polio Fellowship has announced it is to project the green and blue colours of its Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) Day emblem on landmark buildings and structures across the UK, to raise awareness of PPS.

PPS Day aims to draw public attention and create awareness to the estimated 120,000 people living with the late effects of Polio and PPS in the UK.

This figure is believed to be similar to the number of people suffering from Parkinson’s or Motor Neurone disease, but only receives a fraction of public and medical awareness.

The British Polio Fellowship chief executive Ted Hill said: “For us to get the permission to do this campaign across the country is extremely encouraging, but to get the ball rolling with one of the most iconic structures in the country in the Gateshead Millennium Bridge is amazing.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to Gateshead Council and the people of Gateshead in general.

“PPS is a real and present debilitating neurological condition, yet the vast majority of people in this country aren’t even aware of its existence. The chance to promote awareness across the country on iconic buildings will help us do that.”

To find out more about The British Polio Fellowship and to learn about the late effects of Polio and Post Polio Syndrome visit the charity’s website at www.britishpolio.org.uk