Yesterday, hundreds of people across the UK put their hats on for hope to support us in raising awareness of brain tumours. From Stetsons to sou’westers, berets to beanies, our wonderful community came together to don their deerstalkers and bring vital attention to the desperate need for increased investment in research.
We’re immeasurably grateful to all those who took part in Wear A Hat Day. By doing so, you have taken us one step closer to a cure.
At Brain Tumour Research HQ, online and in our Milton Keynes head office, staff got creative for a Best Hat of the Day competition and enjoyed a packed day of fundraising hat-themed activities.
While in Birmingham, at St Francis CE Primary School, students held a special bake sale to remember their friend, Ben Williams (pictured below), who died of a glioblastoma. Ben, from Kings Norton, was just six years old when he lost his life, 14 months after diagnosis.
Yesterday, Ben’s mum Jo and all of Ben’s school friends put their hats on for hope to set about raising funds and awareness, so that others may never have to face a tragic loss like theirs.
Jo said: “Ben would have been 12 on Saturday 29th March. We are supporting Wear A Hat Day again this year as a way of remembering Ben with his school community and in solidarity with everyone living with this devastating disease. We know that it is only through research that better treatment options can be found, and lives can be saved. We live in hope that one day a cure will be found – but a cure will take investment.”
In Shropshire, Rachel Massey (pictured below), from Ludlow, who has been living with an anaplastic astrocytoma since being diagnosed in September 2018, hosted a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Supported by the Ludlow Cancer Support Group, attendees at the event, held at The Parish Centre at St Peter's Church, wore hats and enjoyed a fun-filled morning with tea, cake, and fundraising activities.
Today, a hat parade led by the Mayor of Ludlow, Beverley Waite, will set off from Castle Square and will wind its way around Ludlow Castle to the sounds of a quartet brass band. Participants are encouraged to wear their most extravagant hats to show support for Brain Tumour Research, while enjoying Ludlow’s historic town centre.
“My hope is that the money we raise this week will contribute to finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the disease,” said Rachel. “I want future generations to have a better chance of survival and quality of life; every donation we receive brings us one step closer to that goal.”
Meanwhile, celebrities put on a parade on social media, wearing their finest headgear and using their influence to raise awareness of our cause. Among them was Gogglebox star Lisa Baggs, Qian Zephaniah, reality star Charlotte Crosby, Clare Grogan, our Patrons Danny Clarke and Theo Burrell, plus Ambassadors Abi Feltham and Craig Russell, actor Charlie Dale and businessman and campaigner Dr Michael Josephson MBE.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this Wear A Hat Day a huge success!
There is still time to donate and help bring hope to patients and their families devastated by this disease. Together, we can make a difference.
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