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45 nations back Torbay man’s global walk for dementia
Paignton’s Norrms McNamara launches World Walks Against Dementia, with countries from Australia to Jamaica pledging to take part
Reporter:
Jim Parker
04 Jul 2025 7:00 AM
Email:
jim.parker@clearskypublishing.co.uk
Eat your heart out, Bob Geldof. Torbay dementia awareness champion Norman ‘Norrms’ McNamara is going global with his latest campaign.
Just like the famous pop icon did with Band Aid and Live Aid — with songs and concerts globally raising awareness of, and funds for, famine relief worldwide, Paignton-based dementia sufferer Norrms is doing the same with an initiative to put the spotlight on the debilitating disease.
He is spearheading a World Walks Against Dementia event on Sunday, September 7 when he wants nations and people from all over the world to unite and just walk. So far, 45 countries have already signed up.
Norrms, who has Lewy body dementia, is the founder of the Purple Angel Dementia campaign, which has already been picked up around the world. It focuses on raising awareness and changing perceptions of dementia.
He has also written books on the subject and established various dementia-related initiatives in Torbay, including the Torbay Dementia Action Alliance, the Dementia Aware Facebook Group with over 23,000 members to provide support and information, and Purple Angel memory cafés.
He said: “This year, we are incredibly proud to be organising the world’s first ever World Walks Against Dementia.
As of last month, an astounding 45 countries around the world had signed up to take part, along with 35 US states. Events are being organised throughout the UK and the numbers are still growing. The global response has truly taken our breath away.”
Countries already taking part range from Australia and Mexico to Germany and Jamaica.
Norrms added: “This will be held for the first time all over the world on the first Sunday of September 2025 to ensure as many as possible worldwide do it on the same day, but we do understand if this is not possible and will accept any date in September of their choice. The walk itself can be where people like, and as many, or as few miles of their choice to make sure of its inclusivity for all.
“If people decide to do a sponsored walk rather than just a walk to raise awareness we are not precious about where they want their fundraising to go. If they choose to fundraise for their own charity that’s absolutely fine by us; their choice, but if they want to donate to the Purple Angel dementia campaign UK charity, then that's OK.”
Walkers are being encouraged to wear purple for the walks and the Purple Angel campaign logos can be used.
Norrms said: “This is not about one organisation but all of us across the world coming together to raise awareness about this awful disease.
“A social media page, Facebook, Twitter etc will be set up soon and we will add all the information you give us to this and we will advertise the wonderful things people are doing.
“We want to thank all who join this world first and please remember, this is not about me and you or the Purple Angel but all those who will need our help both now and in the future.”
The Torbay walk is taking place on September 7. Walkers are asked to meet at 12noon on Torre Abbey green with a 12.30pm start and a three-mile walk to the Harbour Rise care home in Paignton.
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