A brain tumour patient is among businesses and individuals across Portsmouth who are supporting a national event to help find a cure for the disease.

Taking place on Friday 29 March, the annual Wear A Hat Day fundraiser will see people don their hats to raise vital funds for the Brain Tumour Research charity. It’s the UK’s premier brain tumour awareness event and has raised over a million pounds since the charity was launched 10 years ago.

One of those taking part is brain tumour patient Zoe Beckett. Havant resident Zoe, 42, was diagnosed with a tangerine-sized meningioma in 2012. The inoperable tumour damaged Zoe’s pituitary gland – meaning she will have to take hormone replacement medication for the rest of her life.

Zoe, who lives with her partner Candice and their six-year-old daughter, said: “Sadly, the location of my tumour means that surgery isn’t an option. I had radiotherapy which stabilised the tumour and now I require routine MRI scans.

“I was shocked to learn that, on average, less than 20% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50% across all cancers, and because of this I want to help raise awareness.

“I first took part in Wear A Hat Day in 2016 and, three years later, I can’t wait to do it all again. This year, I’m inviting members of my local community to join me at Leigh Park Community Centre. I’ll be holding a cake sale on the day and I hope to see everyone arrive in their favourite hats.”

Dozens of companies from around the city have also pledged their support for the campaign. Among corporate supporters already signed up are Fareham based Zurich Insurance, Portsmouth Business Exchange, Portsmouth City Council, and A-to-Z Health in Southsea.

Dedicated fundraiser Simon Tier, who has raised more than £30,000 for Brain Tumour Research, and his colleagues at Airbus Defence and Space, in Portsmouth, are also looking forward to showcasing their best headwear on the day. He said: “I’ve enjoyed participating in Wear A Hat Day for the past five years and it’s a fun way to raise funds and awareness for this vital cause.”

Tim Green, senior community fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research in the South East, said: “It’s brilliant to see residents across Portsmouth supporting Wear A Hat Day. There are some fantastic events lined up and it’s going to be our biggest, boldest and hattiest year ever.

“By signing up for Wear A Hat Day, people are helping us to raise awareness of the fact that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. We cannot allow this situation to continue so please join us on Friday 29 March, wear a hat, and help fund the fight against brain tumours.”

Funds raised will develop the charity’s network of world-class brain tumour research centres in the UK, including a centre at the University of Portsmouth, where scientists are focused on improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, finding a cure.

To get involved, or donate, please visit: www.wearahatday.org

Or text HAT to 70660 to donate £5*

#WEARAHATDAY

* Texts cost £5 plus network charge. Brain Tumour Research receives 100% of your donation. Obtain the bill payer’s permission. Call 01908 867200 with any queries.

For further information, please contact:

Annie Slinn at the Brain Tumour Research charity on 01908 867239 or 07591 206545 or annie.slinn@braintumourresearch.org.

Notes to Editors

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK dedicated to raising funds for continuous and sustainable scientific research into brain tumours, and we are a leading voice calling for greater support and action for research into what scientists are calling the last battleground against cancer.

We are building a network of experts in sustainable research at dedicated Centres of Excellence whilst influencing the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more nationally.

We welcome recent funding announcements for research into brain tumours from the UK Government and Cancer Research UK – £65 million pledged over the next five years. However, this potential funding of £13 million a year comes with a catch – money will only be granted to quality research proposals and, due to the historic lack of investment, there may not be enough of these applications that qualify for grants from this pot.

We want research funding parity with breast cancer and leukaemia. We are calling for a £30-35 million investment every year for research into brain tumours in order to fund the ground-breaking research needed to accelerate the translation from laboratory discoveries into clinical trials and fast-track new therapies for this devastating disease.

The Brain Tumour Research charity is a powerful campaigning organisation and represents the voice of the brain tumour community across the UK. We helped establish and provide the ongoing Secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Brain Tumours (APPGBT) which published its report Brain Tumours A cost too much to bear? in 2018. Led by the charity, the report examines the economic and social impacts of a brain tumour diagnosis. We are also a key player in the development strategy for the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission. 

Key statistics on brain tumours:

• Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age
• Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer
• Historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours
• In the UK, 16,000 people each year are diagnosed with a brain tumour
• Brain tumours kill more children than leukaemia
• Brain tumours kill more men under 45 than prostate cancer
• Brain tumours kill more women under 35 than breast cancer
• Less than 20% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50% across all cancers

Please quote Brain Tumour Research as the source when using this information. Additional facts and statistics are available from our website. We can also provide case studies and research expertise for the media.