Now our Purple Angel spreads her wings to South East Asia

His Purple Angel campaign was launched 10 years ago in his home town of Torquay in front of just 40 people.
Now after being recognised in over 60-plus countries with thousands of global Purple Angel dementia ambassadors on board, the campaign is launching in South East Asia on October 6.
Norrms says: "I have been asked to send a video, as founder, for one of the opening speeches. The words 'mind-blowing' and 'gobsmacked' come to mind but just don't cover it really, but as my illness continues to get worse I can sleep solid in the knowledge, that the Purple Angel has spread her wings even further and will continue to do so."
Confirmation of the launch at the special event came in a letter from the Head of Operations in Southeast Asia who said: "I am delighted to inform you and your esteemed organization that the official launching of Purple Angel Philippines, along with a conference on dementia with the theme 'Cure and Care: The Future Perspective of Dementia' has been confirmed.
"The event will take place on October 6 in Cebu City, coinciding with the commemoration of Elderly Filipino Week, observed from October 1 to 7. This momentous occasion marks a significant step in our journey towards creating dementia-friendly communities and fostering a more inclusive society for those affected by dementia. This event holds national importance and will include a focus on the role of music therapy in dementia care, emphasising its value in helping individuals with difficulty communicating to express themselves and connect with their emotions.
"As you know, the Purple Angel Dementia Movement, founded by you in 2013, is a global awareness campaign and initiative aimed at raising awareness and understanding about dementia. Your dedication to advocating for dementia-friendly communities worldwide, promoting empathy, suppor and compassion for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers has been truly inspiring.
"The conference objectives include uniting stakeholders from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to collaboratively address dementia challenges. We aim to raise awareness, empower individuals with dementia, highlight the importance of music therapy, promote dementia-friendly practices, and officially launch The Purple Angel Dementia Awareness Campaign. Moreover, we seek to strengthen our presence and collaboration, form a dedicated core group, and advocate for dementia-friendly policies and community support to create a lasting positive impact on dementia care and support in the region."
They added: "In light of your instrumental role in the Purple Angel Dementia Movement and its profound impact on dementia awareness and support, we would be deeply honored if you could deliver a speech via video. Your speech could include insights into the movement's origins, especially its beginning in the Philippines, where I was awarded as the first ambassador on March 14, 2019. Additionally, it would be wonderful if you could highlight our first collaboration during the Dementia Care During Covid-19 – A webinar in collaboration with UK Purple Angel on July 18, 2020, which garnered significant attention from individuals across Southeast Asia where you speak about the dementia movement in your country.
"Thank you for your unwavering dedication to this cause, which has inspired me and many others deeply. Together, let us continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. This is just the beginning, and I am committed to furthering awareness programs for dementia within my region of focus in Southeast Asia."
The Purple Angel was born as a steering group to try and make Torbay the first Dementia Friendly resort in the country.
Norrms was diagnosed with dementia aged only 50. Whilst out shopping one day he was rudely spoken to by a shopkeeper and decided to change the way people see dementia and treat others.
Many towns in the UK began raising awareness with The Purple Angel, taking the information to their local shops and businesses. Many Purple Angel Dementia Action Alliances now have their own steering groups and the word is spreading to other areas. It became apparent that many other organisations were needed to be included such as hospitals, first responders, rescue services, schools, scouts, etc. and resources were developed to address different situations. A book was written for young school children by Max Wallack in the USA and is being translated into other languages by purple angel ambassadors and talks held in schools in order that our young can grow up understanding dementia.
In places new memory cafes were organised and events took place across the world for the new Dementia Awareness Day fundraising for dementia charities all year.