A national campaign backed by Graham Norton encourages people to wear purple socks.

Organised by the social enterprise Parallel Lifestyle, Purple Sock Day is a campaign to show support for disabled entrepreneurs.

It was launched to coincide with International Day of Disabled People on December 3.

The initiative asks people to buy and wear purple socks.

Victoria Jenkins, founder of adaptable clothing brand Unhidden, is leading the campaign.

She was one of the first to wear the special edition, sustainable bamboo socks produced by BAM.

These socks are available for purchase online.

Ms Jenkins, a 38-year-old disabled entrepreneur, was recognised by Vogue in their 25 most influential Powerhouse Women.

She was also named second most influential disabled person in the UK by the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List.

Victoria Jenkins was one of the first to wear the special edition, sustainable bamboo socks produced by BAM (Image: Supplied) She is urging everyone to help raise awareness and funds by participating in Purple Sock Day.

Profits generated will be donated to the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) to provide support for disabled entrepreneurs.

The funds will also be used to grow Purple Sock Day and a national celebration of disability inclusion and wellbeing, set to be held in Windsor Great Park on July 6, 2025.

Ms Jenkins said: "There are significant challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs in the UK, identifying inaccessible support services, poor access to finance, and the 'burden of proof of disability' are key issues that need addressing.

"We want to be given equal access to opportunities, so we are free to be entrepreneurs and to grow our business to the best of our ambition and abilities."

Currently, disabled entrepreneurs account for an estimated 25 per cent of the UK's 5.5 million small businesses, but represent only 8.6 per cent of total small business turnover.

The initiative asks people to buy and wear purple socks (Image: Supplied) Small Business Britain estimates suggest that creating equal opportunities could unlock an additional £230 billion for the UK economy.

Ms Jenkins, who became disabled in her mid-20s after an undiagnosed ulcer burst, has a variety of gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as symptoms stemming from surgeries and complications of her conditions.

She said: "All we’re asking you is to buy and wear a pair of soft, sustainable bamboo socks manufactured by BAM and share by tagging #PurpleSockDay and you will help to raise positive awareness for disability inclusion.

"Sustainable style with social impact – what’s not to love.

"It’s a fun initiative with a serious message that you, your family, friends and work colleagues in Greater Manchester can get behind by pulling on a pair of purple socks."