Matthew and eleven other MPs gathered outside the House of Commons to put their hats on and help Brain Tumour Research and its member charities raise awareness about the prevalence of brain tumours and the need for vital research.
Local resident Mark Abrahams persuaded Matthew to get involved because his family lost a family member to a brain tumour and is well aware of the devastation that a brain tumour can cause.
‘Wear a Hat Day’ is the annual awareness day for the charity Brain Tumour Research and its member charities. It is a day when they encourage people to make donations in order to wear a hat. This year schools, businesses and organisations across the UK joined in ‘Wear A Hat Day’ events, which included making bespoke hats created by Kate Langrish, crowned ‘Hat Maker of the Year 2010’, and making paper hats from downloadable instructions.
Mark Abrahams said: “The statistic for brain cancer survival is shocking, with just 14% surviving for more than five years, yet research into brain tumours receives less than 1% of the national spend on cancer research. Asking Matthew to get involved in this photo opportunity was a great way of increasing awareness and asking people to raise money for an often overlooked form of cancer. We are delighted to have helped and are already planning what we will do next year!”
To hear Matthew's support for 'Wear a Hat Day' and Brain Tumour Research go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGqhtYvExnQ&feature=plcp&context=C40ef7a0VDvjVQa1PpcFPBMKDvrPxhupu_wpmgwBvHnMqee7IuMOM%3D
Brain Tumour Research represents the united campaign voice of the Brain Tumour Research group of 18 charities. Launched in 2009, the charity was established specifically to raise funds for brain tumour research.
To get involved in ‘Wear A Hat Day 2013 or for more information about Brain Tumour Research and its member charities go to http://www.braintumourresearch.org or contact the team on 01296 733011