WARRINGTON Town Hall was “lit up blue” to mark the 10th anniversary of International Angelman Day – a global event of special significance for the town.
More than 50 international organisations took part in the event last Wednesday, February 15, to raise awareness of Angelman’s Syndrome (AS) – a rare genetic condition that affects about one in 25,000 babies – and to celebrate the lives of those living with the condition.
Warrington’s significant tlink with the condition is that it was first identified by the late Dr Harry Angelman while he was working as a consultant paediatrician at Warrington Hospital in the 1950s. Children with the condition usually cannot speak, walk or even stand unsupported, although in some cases they are able to as they get older. But they are also very happy and laugh a lot – leading to their condition originally being called “Happy Puppet Syndrome” prior to Dr Angelman making his discovery.
Warrington Borough Council agreed to illuminate the Town Hall to mark the occasion after being approached by the family of five-year-old Maia Manclark, from Paddington, who was diagnosed just a month before her second birthday. Many other public buildings all over the world were also “lit up blue”.
Maia’s grandmother, Jackie Anderson, from Orford, said: “Just really to thank everyone who has played a part in making this happen and who attended on the night.
“It is obviously an important date for our family but it is also part of the history of Warrington because it was identified by Dr Angelman while he was working at Warrington Hospital.
“We are thrilled that Warrington Town Hall and Gullivers World Theme Park Hotel helped mark the occasion locally.”
Maia is a pupil at Foxwood School at Woolston. She will need lifelong support – but her life expectancy is not affected by the condition.
The family were joined by other Angelman children from Warrington and their families at the event and are also in touch with many others across the world – including some who have reached adulthood.
And the good news is that Maia can look forward to a baby sister later this year – with no more chance of her having AS than any other child.
Picture John Hopkins
Town Hall to be “lit up blue” for Maia – and to mark a piece of Warrington history
