As many of you know we are a great supporter of Purple Angels and work closely with Norman Mc Namara, founder of the Global Purple Angel Dementia Campaign, based in Torbay, UK.
This year, Purple Angels are incredibly proud to be organizing the world’s first ever “World Walks Against Dementia”, taking place globally on September 7th, 2025.
As of today, an astounding 45 countries around the world have signed up to take part, along with 35 U.S. states, and events being organized throughout the UK—and the numbers are still growing! The global response has truly taken our breath away, It could very well become the largest global dementia awareness event in history.
Harbour Rise are proud to be hosting one of the walks taking place, if you or anyone you know would like to join us and take part in this worldwide event we would be thrilled to have you join us.
Please just let us know by dropping us an email to enquiries@harbourrise.co.uk Sponsorship forms will be available to those taking part and every penny raised is greatly received- We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there!
Listen to the official song here:
Purple Angel Song Video: https://www.facebook.com/PurpleAngelAsean/videos/9618004628292376
And please enjoy this original poem written by Norrm himself, which embodies the heart of this mission:
WALK WITH ME, MY FRIENDS
Walk a while with me, my friends—walk with me today.
Come and see what I see, and listen to what I say.
Yes, I have dementia, and some days I feel worse,
But please be so grateful you don’t bear this curse.
Are we really so different, you and me?
We breathe the same, we feel the same,
We see the same beauty, equally.
The difference, my friends, is I don’t feel well—
When I can’t recall everything you tell.
My heart still races, my blood runs fast,
But dementia casts a shadow that lasts.
It’s the shadow of judgment that dims my light,
Turning joy to fear, day into night.
When you cast that shadow, when it comes my way,
It drains my spirit and makes me stray.
Sometimes I act strangely, not quite myself—
But don’t you speak to yourself, when you’re by yourself?
So are we really so different, you and me?
Come walk with me, and help the world see.
Let’s walk together so no one faces dementia alone.
With your support, we can turn this into a global message of hope, unity, and change.
With warmest thanks,
Norman Mc Namara
Founder, World Walks Against Dementia
Founder, Global Purple Angel Dementia Campaign