SARRA Hoy has convinced major landmarks around Scotland to turn purple next week to raise awareness for World Prematurity Day.
The lawyer, married to six time Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, had to have an emergency cesarean last year after her son stopped growing in her womb.
Callum, now a healthy one year old, was born 29 weeks early weighing only two pounds and two ounces and had to spend 140 days in hospital before being allowed to go home.
But now Sarra is helping to spread awareness for premature baby charity, Bliss, by contacting famous landmarks around Scotland asking them to light up purple next Tuesday.
So far Edinburgh Airport, the Balmoral Hotel and the Falkirk Wheel have agreed to get involved.
But the mother of one is still waiting on confirmation from other landmarks including Murrayfield stadium and the Forth Road Bridge.
Sarra started asking around on Wednesday after being inspired by last years response, which saw famous landmarks lit up around the world including the Empire State Building and Niagara Falls.
Richard Millar, Director of Heritage, Enterprise and Sustainability at Scottish Canals, said: “We’re pleased to support World Prematurity Day.
“Sarra’s story is one which is sadly all too common and we’re glad to be able to help her raise awareness of the issues and impact of premature birth by turning the globally-renowned Falkirk Wheel purple.”
Gordon Robertson, Communications Director of Edinburgh Airport, said: “We have been in touch with Sarra Hoy and are pleased to confirm that Edinburgh Airport’s tower – which is often purple – will glow especially purple to help raise awareness and offer support on November 17th for World Prematurity Day and for babies born prematurely in Scotland and across the world.”
Sadly Edinburgh Castle and Camera Obscura have responded and are unable to participate.
A spokesman for Historic Environment Scotland on behalf of Edinburgh Castle, said: “Every year we receive a considerable number of requests from charities to light up the castle.
“Unfortunately it is not feasible to accommodate all of them and, when contacted by Bliss to light the castle purple for World Prematurity Day, we were sadly unable to accommodate them due to our pre-existing charitable commitments.
“We have been in touch with Sarra Hoy to explain our position and would like to wish her and the charity the best of luck in promoting a very worthwhile cause. We would be happy to consider any similar requests in future.”
Sarra has been messaged from followers on Twitter praising the mum-of-one on her efforts to raise awareness for premature babies.
Graeme Craig ?wrote: “Well done on raising awareness. My daughter was born 11 weeks early and we didn’t have a clue what to expect but doing amazing now.”
And Claire Headridge said: “This is great work.”
