As darkness falls, our ancient Cathedral will join 142 landmarks nationwide in lighting up red for International Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day.

Kawasaki Disease is now a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children — more common than measles and as serious as some forms of meningitis. Yet despite its severity, it remains little-known. Awareness is not just helpful; it is life‑changing. Delayed recognition and treatment can leave one in four children with lifelong heart damage. Early diagnosis, by contrast, can mean a full and healthy recovery.

That is why tonight matters.

Working alongside Societi, the UK Foundation for Kawasaki Disease, and with the support of St Albans Cathedral Charity, we are honoured to take part in the charity’s largest awareness campaign to date. Local families who have experienced Kawasaki Disease firsthand have helped bring this illumination to life, knowing how crucial recognition of symptoms can be.

By shining red, we hope to spark conversations, spread knowledge, and help protect children’s hearts here in St Albans and across the country.

To learn more including how to recognise some of the symptoms, visit societi.org.uk.