WELLINGTON Monument will be illuminated red to mark International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day this month.

Wellington Monument has joined an international campaign, led in the UK by Societi, the UK Foundation for Kawasaki Disease, to spread awareness of the heart disease, which is common among children.

As part of the campaign, the famous Somerset landmark will be lit up in red on Sunday, January 26.

Societi was established in 2015 as an organisation to raise awareness of Kawasaki Disease, encouraging people to know the signs and symptoms of the illness.

Recognised primarily by symptoms of a high persistent fever and irritability, Kawasaki Disease can also manifest as a red rash, red swollen hands and feet, and bloodshot eyes.

The disease can be fatal in up to 3 per cent of cases if not treated and about a quarter of all children affected will go on to have lifelong heart damage, despite treatment.

Societi research shows around 1,500 UK hospital admissions for Kawasaki Disease will happen this year. Once considered a rare disease, cases are rapidly rising globally and it is now increasingly common.

Rachael McCormack, founder of Societi, said: “We are thrilled that Wellington Monument will be shining a light on Kawasaki Disease and we are extremely grateful to National Trust for their amazing support.

“Despite Kawasaki Disease being increasingly common, low public awareness means it’s often initially misdiagnosed, putting children’s hearts at risk. We need families to know Kawasaki Disease so we can reduce the number of children suffering the devastating effect of serious, lifelong heart damage.

“We are so grateful to all the landmarks across the UK that are lighting up for International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day. They really are helping us to protect children’s hearts, and that is just amazing.”