Ledbury Market House joins the Sphinx at Giza and goes blue for World Diabetes Day

5:08pm Friday 14th November 2008

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WHAT do the Egyptian pyramids have in common with Ledbury’s Market House?

Not much on the surface – but they have all been lit up blue to raise awareness of World Diabetes Day.

One of Ledbury’s main attractions has been included on a list of some of the world’s most iconic structures, including the three pyramids and Sphinx in Giza.

Its inclusion in the prestigious list marks a real boost for Ledbury and the town’s Rotary Club in particular.

“We are doing it to raise awareness for diabetes but we are also doing it to put Ledbury on the map,” said club member Martin Perry.

“It is something different and something you don’t normally expect to see.”

The move has come as part of the club’s commitment to help sufferers of diabetes.

It has run a diabetic foot care programme in Trinidad and Tobago which is due to expand to Nevis and Montserrat.

This has received £37,000 from the International Diabetes Federation, with the club needing to match the sum through fundraising.

Since 2001, the project has successfully reduced lower limb amputations by more than 50% by establishing foot clinics, training local staff in foot care and raising awareness.

Celebrating the blue switch-on in the photograph (right) are: William Turberfield, Town Crier, Mayor of Ledbury, Coun. Keith Francis and David Tombs, President of Ledbury Rotary Club