EB is a rare genetic condition that makes skin tear at the slightest touch, leaving people in constant pain. On Rare Disease Day, we helped DEBRA launch its BE the difference for EB appeal, which set out to raise £5m by the end for mental health support, specialist products and travel grants, with nearly half (48%) of people with EB finding it difficult to travel to specialist appointments. A football legend and DEBRA supporter who swam the English Channel for the charity went on air alongside a charity spokesperson across a radio day of interviews. The campaign secured 12 items of radio coverage reaching 8.5 million, including BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Newcastle, BBC Radio Solent and Rock FM.
DEBRA wanted to launch its BE the difference for EB appeal, raising £5m by the end for community care.
The message
EB is a rare genetic condition that makes skin tear at the slightest touch, leaving people in constant pain. Every action takes us one step closer to a world where no one suffers from the pain of EB.
The angle
On Rare Disease Day, DEBRA launched its BE the difference for EB appeal to raise £5m by the end for mental health support, specialist products and travel grants. Nearly half (48%) of people with EB find travelling to specialist appointments difficult.
On air
A football legend and DEBRA supporter who swam the English Channel for the charity, alongside a charity spokesperson
The result
12 items of coverage reaching 8.5 million, including BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Newcastle, Rock FM, BBC Radio Solent.
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.
