Dozens of people gathered on Douglas Head around a giant forget-me-not symbol as part of Demential Awareness Week.

People with dementia, their families, Alzheimer’s Society team members, memory clinic senior managers, consultant psychiatrist Chris Jagus, police officers, people who have lost loved ones to dementia, the mayor and an ex-mayor of Douglas, councillors, care workers, nurses and supporters of Alzheimer’s Society in the island all linked hands in unity to show their support for the 1,300 people with dementia in the Isle of Man.

The symbol was arranged by Alzheimer’s Society (Isle of Man) manager Grahame Bell as part of Dementia Awareness Week.

The site above Douglas usually displays the red poppy symbol but it was transformed into a forget-me-not flower for a short period, to raise awareness of dementia and highlight the effects it has on everyone in our society.

’I checked with the Royal British Legion to make sure they had no objections and then requested permission from Douglas Council before undertaking the work,’ Grahame said.

’I approached Sadler Agricultural Suppliers and Absolute Scaffolding, who both provided most of the materials to construct the flower free of charge. My team and I then dismantled the old, fading poppy and created the forget-me-not on the same area.’

On the day, more than 50 people went and the inspiring image of the flower surrounded by people linking hands in unity and support was captured by a drone operated by Mike Rhodes, who donated his services free of charge.

The flower will stay until the end of May and will be returned to a poppy symbol for Remembrance Day later in the year.

The Alzheimer’s Society thanked everyone who contributed to making the project possible and especially those who were able to attend Douglas Head for the photograph.

The Alzheimer’s Society on offers free and confidential advice by phone on 613181.