Achalasia is a rare swallowing condition with no cure, affecting around 6,000 people of all ages in the UK, and diagnosis can take many years. For Rare Disease Day, we helped Achalasia Action put the condition in the spotlight and make the case for more funding, research and better care and support. We put the charity's chair, who lives with the condition, on air across a radio day of interviews, plus TV, raising awareness of the support Achalasia Action gives people with achalasia, their friends and families. The campaign secured 5 items of radio and TV coverage reaching 2.1 million people, including GB News, GB News Radio and BBC Radio London.
Achalasia Action wanted to raise awareness of its work and the support it gives people with achalasia, their friends and families.
The message
Achalasia is a rare swallowing condition affecting around 6,000 people of all ages in the UK.
The angle
For Rare Disease Day, a spotlight on achalasia, a rare swallowing condition with no cure that affects around 6,000 people in the UK. Diagnosis can take many years, and funding, research and better care and support are badly needed.
On air
The chair of Achalasia Action, who lives with the condition
The result
5 items of coverage reaching 2.1 million, including GB News, BBC Radio London, GB News Radio.
About Rare Disease Day
Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February, which in 2027 is Sunday 28 February. It is co-ordinated by EURORDIS with more than 70 national patient alliances, and pushes for fairer access to diagnosis, treatment and care for people living with rare diseases. For brands and charities with something useful to say, it gives radio and TV producers a timely reason to book an interview.
Planning Rare Disease Day for 2027?
Rare Disease Day next falls on Sunday 28 February 2027. Talk to the team about a broadcast PR campaign that gets your spokesperson on radio and TV.
