Supporters in pyjamas are showing that they care!

National Eczema Week aims to raise awareness of eczema as a physical and an emotional condition, highlight the support and expertise available through the National Eczema Society and raise much needed funds to improve support services and drive research into the condition.

With the potential to impact on every aspect of a person’s life, eczema affects one in five children and one in 12 adults. The person with eczema can do nothing to stop themselves scratching and has to live every day with painful, cracked and often bleeding skin.

National Eczema Week (Saturday 15-Sunday 23 September 2007) is the Society’s biggest opportunity to go public in support of the many issues surrounding this much misunderstood condition. And this year supporters are being encouraged to dress for the occasion… in their pyjamas!

The Great Pyjama Party is the theme for the week and pyjama parties are planned up and down the country, in schools, community halls, homes, nurseries – even in the business place!

Chief Executive Margaret Cox explains: “As anyone who has ever lived with eczema will know, there is nothing you need more than comfort and a good night’s sleep. Although pyjamas aren’t the answer for everybody, the symbol helps us to communicate the role that sleep plays in managing eczema – and gives us a fantastic way of raising money and having fun at the same time!”

The National Eczema Society is the only charity in the UK dedicated to providing support and information for people with eczema and their carers – including health professionals - and depends entirely on voluntary income for its work. Formed in 1975, membership costs £20 a year and members receive a comprehensive age related members pack and quarterly magazine along with up to date news and information.

Margaret added: “National Eczema Week has been a crucial event in our calendar for over 30 years and our expectations are as high as ever that 2007 will be the best yet.”

Anyone interested in holding their own pyjama party to mark National Eczema Week can get more information on organising and publicising their event by calling for a free fundraising pack on 0207 281 3553.

-Ends-

For press enquiries, to organise interviews or for case study information please contact: