Millions of people will be wearing a hat today, whether that's a bright coloured one or even a statement hair piece. It is all for a good cause as today (March 28) is 'Wear A Hat Day'.
The annual event is part of Brain Tumour Research’s efforts to raise money and awareness of the disease. It also brings hope to brain tumour patients and their families.
As March marks Brain Tumour Awareness Month, people from all walks of life put on their favourite hat at work, in school, with friends and family. Some may hold hat-themed events and make donations.
To take part, you can simply wear your favourite bright colourful hat, or better still, bring together your friends, family and colleagues for a hat-themed fundraising event and ask for donations for the cause.
You could do a 'Hattastic Challenge', for example, run a marathon in your favourite hat or a fancy dress and ask for sponsorship to help you reach your fundraising target. You can register on Braintumourresearch.org.
When you register, you’ll have access to a host of fundraising ideas, resources to help promote your event or challenge. You'll also have support from your local Community Fundraiser to help maximise your efforts.
What is a brain tumour?
Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. It occurs as a result of an abnormal growth or spread of cells from within the brain or its supporting tissues that can damage the brain or threaten its function.
Some types of tumour can occur around the edge of the brain and press on certain parts of it. Whilst others can be more diffuse, spreading out and growing in amongst healthy brain tissue.
Brain tumours are divided into four classifications – grades 1 and 2 are low-grade, grades 3 and 4 are classed as high-grade. High-grade or malignant brain tumours are aggressive and can spread quickly in the brain, and are usually a serious threat to life.
Low-grade or benign brain tumours are slower-growing and not usually immediately life threatening. But these can still have a potentially dangerous impact on a person’s well-being.
There are over 120 different types of brain tumour. The direct cause of a brain tumour is still not clear, so more investment in research is urgently needed.
Why hats?
A spokesperson for Brain Tumour Research explained: "The first Wear A Hat Day was held in 2010 and, since then you have helped us raise more than £2 million to help raise awareness of this devastating disease, campaign for the Government and larger charities to invest more, and fund ground-breaking research at our network of Centres of Excellence where scientists are focused on improving treatments for patients and, ultimately, finding a cure.
"This year we mark our 15th anniversary and over this time, Brain Tumour Research has become synonymous with hats and hatting. A bespoke pink silk top hat created for us by Lock & Co., the world’s oldest hat shop, has been our emblem and an instantly recognisable part of Wear A Hat Day every year. Wearing a hat reminds us of those who have been personally affected by this devastating disease."
