Woman wearing different hat each day this month as part of fundraiser for Milton Keynes-based brain tumour charity
A woman is wearing a different hat each day throughout March as part of a fundraiser for Milton Keynes based charity Brain Tumour Research.
Emma Carrick, 58, from Milton Keynes, who has a collection of more than 90 hats, is undertaking the challenge for the charity in support of her husband Brian, 63, who was diagnosed with a grade two oligodendroglioma in October 2016 after suffering ‘a seizure out of the blue.’
An oligodendroglioma is a rare type of glioma brain tumour that forms when certain support cells in the brain start to grow out of control, with grade two tumours growing slowly.
Brian underwent surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and now has check-up scans every six months.
Emma said: “Brian’s diagnosis was a huge shock and I honestly thought he was going to die.
“I didn’t know anything about brain tumours but I then found out about Brain Tumour Research and the work it does to fund research.
“That’s when I knew I wanted to get involved.”
Emma has raised more than £10,000 for the charity and is now in her tenth year of fundraising.
Her latest challenge is to wear a different hat each day during March, which will include Wear a Hat Day on March 27.
Emma has been posting daily photos and updates on her JustGiving page, and so far throughout the month she has worn hats including a cake hat, sheep hat, cat hat and snoopy hat.
“I keep on signing up for this event because I love hats,” Emma said.
“I’ve got a walk-in wardrobe which houses my collection of around 90 hats, all of them various shapes and sizes.
“Some are funny and some hold a sentimental value. I've got quite a lot of silly hats, but I've also got some really nice designer hats which are all unique so I'll be wearing some of those.”
Brian was stable at his last scan in October, with his next one due to come in April.
“He experiences dizziness and has memory issues,” Emma said.
“He takes migraine inhibitors daily and in general he suffers with fatigue which often leaves him feeling frustrated.”
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research said: “We’re grateful to Emma for continuing to support Brain Tumour Research over the last decade, and for her incredible effort and creativity which increases year on year.
“We encourage everyone to follow in Emma’s footsteps - wear a hat, raise money and help change lives.
“Together, we can change the story for brain tumour patients.”