DATE: TUESDAY 27TH AUGUST 2013,
LOCATION: PROPERTY LADDER ESTATE AGENTS, 49 HYDE ROAD PAIGNTON, DEVON TQ4 5BP
TIME: 11AM
When Torquay's Norman McNamara asked a shopkeeper to be patient as he needed time to sort out his change because he suffers from dementia, the shopkeeper laughed. From that day Norman vowed to get the message across that 800,000 people suffering from dementia in the UK need support and understanding from everyone involved in serving, or dealing with the public.
Now with the help of Ostrich (ostrichcare.co.uk), Norman, who lives in St Marychurch, has taken a massive step towards reaching his goal: Ostrich is donating tens of thousands of distinctive Purple Angel stickers for shops nationwide to display in their windows, showing that they are aware of the special needs of shoppers who suffer from dementia.
Norman launches his national campaign on Hyde Road in Paignton. He will personally speak to shopkeepers and traders, explaining that a simple gesture of empathy and support makes a huge difference.
"Dementia", says Norman, "is the loneliest disease in the world. You are absolutely at the bottom when it is diagnosed; a kind word and understanding makes all the difference: it rebuilds confidence. We want shops to wear the Purple Angel Symbol with pride that they do understand"
And in Ostrich, Norman has found a kindred spirit. The ground breaking website specialising in finding care services and retirement planning solutions was created by Laurence Kelly, a young man who at just 21, discovered that sound, impartial advice about care provision was severely lacking when he needed it urgently for his grandmother. He found the entire process - including obtaining impartial legal advice - so frustrating that he spent 18 months creating a website that indisputably makes finding solutions far simpler.
Laurence Kelly says: "I admire Norman's single minded campaign. I feel very much the same about helping and representing people going through what can be a life changing ordeal: finding care or caring for others. They too, often feel alone. That is why I created Ostrich and I am delighted to back another campaign which supports people who can feel marginalised and let down."
Norman, 55, says of his young champion: "The support of Ostrich is wonderful. I do my best, but suffering from dementia makes it difficult for me to put the time into this campaign that I would like to. Ostrich is giving me a national support network: I can't thank Laurence enough. He is a brilliant young man. I can envisage the Purple Angel displayed all over the country."
Both Norman and Laurence are available for interviews on Tuesday 27th August 2013 at the above address. They will provide filming and photo opportunities, including distributing stickers and talking to traders in Hyde Road. They are also available for live or recorded interviews before the event. Please telephone Norman on 07707 048595 and Laurence on 07525 260989. Both are happy to speak on all subjects related to care, care provision, retirement planning and health issues on any occasion.