Events & Entertainment, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on March 11th, 2026 | return to news

Dorset landmarks to help raise awareness of rare disease

Corfe Castle and Wimborne Minster plan to light up purple for CHAMP1 Awareness Day.

On 20 March, Corfe Castle and Wimborne Minster will be illuminated purple to mark International CHAMP1 Awareness Day.

CHAMP1 is an ultra-rare neurodevelopmental condition that typically causes severe speech and motor delays and intellectual disability, among many other complex medical issues.

The local illuminations are part of a global effort, where landmarks around the world will be lit up purple to raise awareness of the condition. In the past, well-known sites including Niagara Falls, Christ the Redeemer and the Dancing House in Prague have been illuminated as part of the event.

The charity CHAMP1 UK will be joining in with the event. It was founded in Dorset by Scott and Sarah Hutchings, who formed the charity after their daughter Sienna was diagnosed just before her third birthday in 2022.

In the UK, there are only 20 known cases of CHAMP1. Scott said: “There was very little information or research, and we didn’t know where to turn.”

Now, the charity is able to support other families. Scott added: “I know my wife’s absolute favourite part of running the charity is supporting newly diagnosed families.”

CHAMP1 can affect people in a variety of ways. Sienna finds fine motor skills like holding a pen or using cutlery very difficult. She also struggles with her balance and has a significant speech delay. Scott added: “Despite all of these hurdles, she always finds a way to let her amazing personality shine through.”

The charity is dedicated to raising awareness of this condition, accessing research and funding in the UK, and supporting parents. Scott said: “I’m really proud of the work we do… having a child with a rare genetic condition is tough.”

To learn more about the charity, visit https://champ1.uk.