SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan is urging people in Derry and throughout the North to support ‘Wear A Hat Day’ next week (Friday 27th March) which aims to raise money to improve the lives of children and adults with brain tumours and help find a cure. 
Speaking after attending this week’s parliamentary launch of the campaign by Brain Tumour Research (an umbrella group whose member charities include Brainwaves NI), Mr Durkan said, “I’m delighted to support this year’s Wear a Hat Day – and hope by raising awareness it will help to make a difference for children and adults with brain tumours.
“All those who take part in Wear A Hat Day are helping to fund the fight against brain tumours, which take children from their parents and parents from their children before their time.”
Wear A Hat Day, now in its sixth year, is inspired by the 16,000 people who are diagnosed each year and it is dedicated to the memory of those lost to a cancer which hasn’t seen the same advancements in understanding and treatment as other cancers.
Sue Farrington Smith, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research, said, “Wearing a hat for the day is a simple and fun way of raising awareness and money.
“It also sends a great message of hope, solidarity and support for patients and their families and those like me who have lost a loved one to this dreadful disease.
“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease. This is unacceptable!
“We are extremely grateful to Mark Durkan for supporting Wear A Hat Day and the fight against this often overlooked form of cancer.”
For further information visit www.braintumourresearch.org or www.brainwaves-ni.org
