45 countries join Devon man's 'world walk against dementia'

The founder of the Purple Angel campaign says he can't believe the response

Carer & elderly old man in garden & walking stick, arm of carer family walking healthy through outdoor garden feature of Cosmos bipinnatus in summer
Author: Andrew KayPublished 26th Jul 2025

A Torbay man - who's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's - is staging the world's first ever 'walk against dementia',

Norman McNamara founded the Devon-based Purple Angel dementia campaign to help raise awareness worldwide.

He's now inspired people from around the world to all stage a walk on Sunday September the 7th - something which until now has only happened in Torbay.

He said: "There are a lot of people out there who are not diagnosed.

"In some countries they still blame it on witchcraft or still call it 'old-timers' and not Alzheimer's and this is getting the word out.

"We're looking at 45 countries doing a walk against dementia and 35 states out of the 5o in America joining in - so it's absolutely huge."

For more about the Purple Angel Campaign click here

For 'World Walks Against Dementia' click here

MrMcNamara added: "The walk itself can be where you like, and as many, or as few miles of your choice to make sure of its inclusivity for all.

"If you decide to do a sponsored walk, rather than just a walk to raise awareness, we are not precious about where you want your fundraising to go, if you choose to fundraise for your own charity that's absolutely fine by us, your choice, but if you do want to donate to the Purple Angel dementia camping UK charity, then that’s ok as well and we thank you."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.