THE ALVECHURCH family of brave Finlay Church who lost his battle with a brain tumour in 2015 are backing this year’s Wear A Hat Day.
The event encourages people to don a hat for the day to raise awareness of the disease and also sees funds collected for Brian Tumour Research.
Fin was an inspiration to many during his life for the way he did not let his illness get him down and for the way he raised funds for good causes.
Fin’s mum Penny said: “Despite enduring neurosurgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy Fin was determined to do what he could for others and during his illness he helped raise more than £150,000 for charity.
“We were really pleased to hear about Hobbycraft’s hat-making workshops as we have a special connection to hats.”
In May 2016 The Friends of Finlay Church set a Guinness World Record in Fin’s honour for the longest line of hats, 5,471, measuring 2,495ft.
This year Brain Tumor Research has teamed up with Hobbycraft for Wear A Hat Day on March 31.
Hobbycraft stores up and down the country will be running in-store hat-making demonstrations that children can join in with and donating a percentage from the sales of the exclusive ‘Pink Glitter Side Hat’ to the charity. The Hobbycraft at Webbs in Wychbold will be running them from 11am to 3pm tomorrow (Saturday) and on March 25.
Then on April 1, between 11am and 3pm, staff at Hobbycraft will be wearing their fun and fabulous hats and encouraging customers to do the same.
Fin’s younger brother Kenzie and sister Tegan are looking forward to taking part in the fun.
Fin’s dad Wayne added: “We hope Fin’s story will inspire others.
“Taking part in Hobbycraft’s hat-making workshops would be a great way to raise funds.”
Sue Farrington Smith, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research, said: “I’m always inspired by how much the Church family do to support Brain Tumour Research and I’m so glad that they are supporting Wear A Hat Day 2017.
“The money raised at Hobbycraft’s workshops, simply by having fun with hats, will go towards sustainable research that will bring us closer to a cure for brain tumours.”
Brain Tumour Research is committed to funding sustainable research into brain tumours – the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40.
Katherine Paterson, Hobbycraft’s customer development director, said they were really excited about being part of the campaign.
“We hope our awareness and fund-raising will really make a difference.
“What’s great about Wear a Hat Day is it’s fun and everyone can get involved, whether you already own a hat or you’re buying something for the occasion.”
The Church family are also inviting people to a fund-raising event at Alvechurch Cricket Club from 7pm to 11pm on March 31.
Those going along should wear a funny, fabulous or flamboyant hat.
Tickets for the evening are £3 per person or £10 for a family ticket.
For more information, search for ‘Finlay’s Journey’ on Facebook.
Go to www.finlaysjourney.com for more on Fin Church and the fund-raising campaign in his memory.
To get involved in Wear a Hat Day 2017 or to donate, visit: www.wearahatday.org or text HAT to 70660 to donate £5 to the cause.
