Everton Stadium Lit Up in Rainbow Colours to Support Baby Rupert
Everton Football Club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium was illuminated in rainbow colours on Monday, February 23, 2026, ahead of their Premier League match against Manchester United. This striking display wasn’t a celebration of Pride, but a heartfelt tribute to eight-month-old Rupert Smith, who is battling a rare and life-threatening condition.
A Rare Condition: Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood
Rupert Smith was recently diagnosed with Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), a neurological syndrome affecting approximately one in a million people [Newsdirectory3]. AHC causes episodes of paralysis, seizures, abnormal movements, and developmental delays impacting learning, movement, and behaviour [Newsdirectory3].
Rupert’s Rainbow: A Campaign for Hope and a Cure
The illumination of the stadium was a direct nod to “Rupert’s Rainbow,” a fundraising and awareness campaign established by Rupert’s father, Dave Smith, a lifelong Everton supporter [Newsdirectory3]. Dave and his wife, Siobhan, are aiming to raise £1.5 million to cover the cost of Rupert’s treatment, which will take place abroad, and to fund research towards finding a cure for AHC [Leader Live].
As of February 24, 2026, the JustGiving page for Rupert’s Rainbow has raised over £163,000 [Leader Live]. Donations can be made via https://shorturl.at/UTAfG.
Everton Fans Show Their Support
Dave Smith, an Everton fan himself, urged fans attending the match against Manchester United to clap on the 7th minute – a tribute to Rupert’s diagnosis at seven months old – to demonstrate their support [Leader Live]. The stadium lights shone in rainbow colours between 6pm and 7pm [Leader Live], [MSN] and [Newsdirectory3].
“They say it is the people’s club,” Dave Smith told the BBC [Newsdirectory3]. “It was really touching for my childhood club to do this and show they care and elevate awareness of AHC.”
A Family’s Dedication
Rupert’s father, Dave Smith, is a North Wales Police sergeant based in Deeside and previously ran Wrexham Police FC, raising £70,000 for charitable causes [Leader Live].