Woman honours South Shields mum with Wear A Hat Day fundraiser two years after brain tumour loss

Trudy Carruthers, 55, from Gateshead, is backing Wear A Hat Day, which takes place on Friday, March 27, as part of Brain Tumour Awareness Month, in memory of her mum, Valerie, who died in February 2024 after being diagnosed with four inoperable brain tumours.

Valerie, 81, from South Shields, experienced severe headaches and vomiting for more than two years before scans revealed the devastating diagnosis. Trudy has previously spoken about how her mum’s symptoms were attributed to other causes before she insisted on further investigation.

Now, two years on, Trudy feels ready to turn her grief into action by supporting Brain Tumour Research – the only national charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.

Trudy said: “I told my mum she wouldn’t die in vain. In the first year after she passed, I had difficulty talking about her experience without becoming too upset. But now I feel ready. If I can raise awareness and help even one family avoid what we went through, then it’s worth it.”

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 has been allocated to the disease since records began in 2002.

Trudy will host her Wear a Hat Day event on Monday, March 30, at Sunniside Social Club in Gateshead. The afternoon fundraiser will feature a live singer performing Rat Pack classics, raffles including prizes donated by Newcastle United, and a competition for the weirdest and wackiest hats. Guests will be invited to make a donation on the door, with all funds going to the charity.

The event is being organised through Trudy’s community initiative, Pathways to Blossom, which she launched in April 2025. The group runs weekly 'Love to Move' brain gymnastics sessions to support people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain injuries and those experiencing loneliness. The programme uses coordinated movements to stimulate both sides of the brain in a fun, social setting. Earlier this week, Trudy organised a fundraising afternoon with the group, raising £395 for the charity.

What began as a sole trader venture is now in the process of transitioning into a registered charity.

“All of our members are so excited to take part,” Trudy said.

“They’re already looking for the most outrageous hats they can find. Some are decorating hats they already own, others are hunting for something completely over the top. It’s bringing such a lovely sense of community togetherness.

“This is about celebrating life as well as raising awareness. Mum loved music and bringing people together. I think she’d be proud to see everyone in their hats, having a singalong, and doing something meaningful.”

Her mum’s healthcare journey has also inspired Trudy to campaign for greater awareness around brain health and earlier diagnosis. She is in discussions with local MP Kate Osborne about raising awareness of brain tumour symptoms and the importance of listening to patient concerns.

Trudy is particularly passionate about helping families understand that not all diagnostic scans automatically include the head unless specifically requested – something she says she was unaware of during her mum’s repeated hospital visits.

Trudy said: “I used to sit quietly at the back of the room. But since losing Mum, I feel like there’s a little part of her in me that stands up and speaks out.

“I didn’t realise at the time that certain scans don’t automatically include the brain unless it’s specifically requested. I just want families to ask questions and make sure everything that needs to be checked is being checked.

“We need better awareness and more research so families don’t have to go through this.”

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Trudy for continuing to honour her mum’s memory in such a positive and powerful way. Brain tumours have a devastating impact on families across the UK, and too many people face limited treatment options and uncertain futures.

“With one in three people knowing someone affected by a brain tumour and nearly 13,000 people diagnosed each year, it is vital that we secure sustained investment into research to improve survival rates and outcomes. We encourage everyone to support Wear a Hat Day by organising their own fundraising event and helping us move closer to finding a cure.”

To find out more about Wear A Hat Day or to organise your own fundraiser, visit https://bit.ly/4rWDN6v