The Manchester Cathedral bell tower clock shall be lit in red on 26th January in support of the Societi Foundation and Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day.

Kawasaki Disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in UK children. It is also increasingly common with around 1,000 hospital admissions each year in the UK. As common as some forms of bacterial meningitis and just as serious, awareness of Kawasaki Disease is particularly important. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of heart damage in children. But on average children are currently misdiagnosed 2-3 times before receiving a correct diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease – by which time irreversible heart damage can occur. The risk of serious heart damage increases proportionately with increasing delay. So, awareness really is key.

This year the charity are aiming to light up 150 + landmarks and Manchester Cathedral are proud to support this cause to raise awareness.

If you would like more information about Kawasaki Disease and our work, please look at our website www.societi.org.uk or contact me if you have any further questions.

If you’d like to read more about our fantastic campaign in 2025, you can access our International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day Impact Statement, here.