RESIDENTS will need to be on red alert tonight as Weymouth Town Bridge shines a light on a devastating brain condition.

It will be turning red to support World Encephalitis Day and raise awareness of the condition, an inflammation of the brain.

The condition affects 500,000 people globally each year.

The awareness day is being backed by Dorset County Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

The campaign, led by the Encephalitis Society, will also see other world-famous landmarks go red today, including Niagara Falls, the fountains of Trafalgar Square, The Millennium Bridge in Newcastle and Blackpool Tower.

Supporters of World Encephalitis Day are also being asked to wear items of red clothing on 22 February and share them on social media using the hashtag, #RED4WED.

Local support for the campaign follows a recent appeal by Weymouth residents Louise and Liam Briers who have warned about the dangers of encephalitis after their daughter Olivia was struck down by the condition.

Councillor Jeff Cant, leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “The Weymouth and Portland community has a reputation for its generosity and for reaching out to others in need and are pleased to help with raising awareness of this devastating condition by joining other significant sites throughout the world in illuminating Weymouth Town Bridge.” 

Cllr Peter Finney, Dorset County Council’s cabinet member for environment, highways and infrastructure added that as owners of the bridge, DCC was very happy to join others around the world in supportign the camapaign.

Dr Ava Easton, chief executive of The Encephalitis Society, said: “World Encephalitis Day is the most important day of the year for people who have been affected by encephalitis.

“It is the day when we all come together to make as much noise as possible about the condition as possible so we can educate the public and health professionals.

“Our hope is to illuminate as many homes, buildings and landmarks across the world as possible on 22 February and ‘shine a light on encephalitis.’”

In the UK alone, encephalitis affects 6,000 people annually - more than certain types of meningitis and motor neurone disease and yet remains less well known.

Those who survive are often left with an acquired brain injury, the consequence of which means a return to work or education can be difficult.

Encephalitis can affect abilities such as concentration, attention, thinking, memory, judgement and inhibition, while leaving a legacy of additional challenges such as epilepsy or fatigue.

Dr Easton said: “Imagine waking up a completely different person - this is essentially what it can be like for some survivors of encephalitis.

“The acquired brain injury brought about by encephalitis is very much a ‘hidden disability.’ A person you know may look exactly the same, but inside it can be a different matter. And it is not just the survivor who is affected, encephalitis and its consequences also has an impact on their families, friends, work colleagues or even school friends.

“Encephalitis has a widespread and long-lasting impact which is why our aim is to make as many people as possible aware of the condition and the devastation it can leave in its wake.”

For more information, visit www.worldencephalitisday.org