Enniskillen Castle will turn purple this Saturday to highlight stroke awareness.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is illuminating the historic castle purple as part of Fermanagh Stroke Support Group’s activities to raise awareness of the life-threatening medical condition.

Each year in Northern Ireland, an estimated 4,000 people have a stroke. A stroke cuts the blood supply to the brain. Urgent treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST.

Face: the face may have dropped to one side, the person may not be able to smile or their mouth or eye may have dropped.

Arms: the person may not be able to lift both arms.

Speech: speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk, despite being awake.

Time: dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs.

The lighting up of Council buildings to mark specific days of significance is one way in which the Council may provide support to a particular charity. Enquiries regarding illuminating Council properties and charity support should be made to Louise McLaughlin, Community Services, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council by telephoning 0300 303 1777 or emailing louise.mclaughlin@fermanaghomagh.com.