A young woman who passed away last year from brain cancer, will be remembered in Blackpool tomorrow on Wear A Hat Day as the iconic Blackpool Tower and Lytham Windmill both light up to help raise awareness of the disease
Zara Taylor (pictured below in front of Lytham Windmill lit up last year) was diagnosed, aged 30, with a glioblastoma (GBM) in January 2021. She underwent surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but sadly died on 21st October 2023.
To bring hope to others diagnosed with the devastating disease, Zara set up a Fundraising Group called Zara’s Appeal for a Cure and took part in Brain Tumour Research’s 10,000 Steps a Day in February, Jog 26 Miles in May and Cycle 274 Miles in August, as well as holding a glittering party night attended by more than 100 family and friends and, of course, various Wear A Hat Day events. Her family continue to fundraise since Zara’s passing and Zara’s Appeal for a Cure has now raised more than £19,000.
Now, Zara’s husband Jordan, a Co-op retail manager, is supporting the Wear A Hat Day campaign throughout peak Easter trading times “to generate as much awareness and as many donations as possible”, while her cousin Cali Hannan-Woods of Northwich will be joining in the fun of Wear A Hat Day with her Co-op colleagues, as is Rudheath Senior Academy attended by her son Louis.
Zara’s dad Keith said: “Nothing prepares you for losing your child. Zara was a loving daughter and so unselfish, wanting to help others diagnosed with this devastating disease. It’s unbelievable that with all the advancements in so many other cancers there is so little available for those diagnosed with brain tumours. Zara was so full of life but was lost to the cruellest of diseases.”
It’s not too late to join in. Pop a hat on your head and take a selfie, make a donation and share on your social media platforms, inviting your friends to do the same.
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