More than 500,000 people worldwide live with Angelman syndrome, yet it remains one of the most under-recognised rare diseases. For International Angelman Day, we helped FAST UK change that with a broadcast PR campaign calling for faster diagnosis and better treatment pathways, alongside the news that the charity was giving more than 30 affected families a weekend at Alton Towers. Parents of children living with Angelman syndrome, including the charity's chairman, spoke on a radio day of interviews about why awareness is the first step towards support, treatments and, ultimately, a cure. The campaign secured 11 items of radio coverage reaching 4.0 million, from BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Leeds to Heart North West and Capital Manchester.
11Items of coverage
4.0 millionCombined reach
55m 40sTime on air
Coverage highlights
Smooth Radio North WestCommercial radio
Heart North WestCommercial radio
Capital ManchesterCommercial radio
BBC Radio WalesBBC radio
BBC Radio LeedsBBC radio
BBC Radio NottinghamBBC radio
Greatest Hits Radio South WalesCommercial radio
BBC Radio Three CountiesBBC radio
BBC Radio DerbyBBC radio
BBC Radio LeicesterBBC radio
BBC Radio NorthamptonBBC radio
Listen
BBC Radio Wales · 5m 56s
0:00 / 5m 56s
BBC Radio Leeds · 7m 32s
0:00 / 7m 32s
BBC Radio Nottingham · 7m 31s
0:00 / 7m 31s
The story
FAST UK, International Angelman Day
The aim
FAST UK wanted to increase awareness of FAST UK and Angelman syndrome through radio, podcast and TV coverage.
The message
Increasing awareness is the first step towards faster diagnosis, greater support for families and the pharmaceutical interest needed to develop effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
The angle
More than 500,000 people worldwide live with Angelman syndrome, a severe neurogenetic condition that remains one of the most under-recognised rare diseases. For International Angelman Day, FAST UK called for faster diagnosis and better treatment pathways, and gave more than 30 affected families a weekend at Alton Towers.
On air
FAST UK representatives who are parents of children living with Angelman syndrome, including the charity's chairman
The result
11 items of coverage reaching 4.0 million, including Smooth Radio North West, Heart North West, Capital Manchester, BBC Radio Wales.
About International Angelman Day
International Angelman Day has been held on 15 February since 2013, backed by more than 50 support groups in over 40 countries, including the US Angelman Syndrome Foundation. It raises awareness of Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects development, speech and movement. It gives producers a reason to cover the subject, and brands with a credible spokesperson a way onto radio and TV.
Planning International Angelman Day for 2027?
International Angelman Day next falls on Monday 15 February 2027. Talk to the team about a broadcast PR campaign that gets your spokesperson on radio and TV.
