Gok Wan among TV stars to raise funds for Thornbury charity Hammer Out (From Gazette Series)

Gok Wan among TV stars to raise funds for Thornbury charity Hammer Out as part of its Bandanas for Brain Tumours day

9:30am Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Marion Sauvebois

FASHION guru Gok Wan and a host of TV stars donned colourful bandanas in a show of support to brain tumour patients in general and a very special Thornbury charity in particular.

The How to Look Good Naked presenter, BBC’s Death In Paradise leading man Ben Miller, actor Danny John-Jules and singer Beth Rowley were among the many celebrities who went "bananas for bandanas" as part of Hammer Out’s very first Bandanas for Brain Tumour awareness day on March 1.

The nationwide event, held in conjunction with the Brain Tumour Charity, saw thousands of patients and philanthropists buy and wear the appeal’s £3-headscarves specially designed for the occasion.

Hammer Out chief executive Tina Mitchell-Skinner launched the organisation ten years ago after losing her husband Paul to the disease.

She said: "Launching a new awareness day is a major challenge but we’ve been delighted with the way people have responded and supported the initiative.

"The money raised from the day will be used by Hammer Out to help us provide invaluable information and practical and emotional support to brain tumour patients and their families, whose lives will have changed overnight because of a brain tumour diagnosis."

She added: "Importantly the day has also helped us to create a greater level of awareness and support among the public and for a small charity like ours, that’s crucial to our work."

While most opted to buy the charities' bandanas, others wore their own and contributed £1 towards the appeal.

Many joined in the fun in Thornbury including Castle School, the Swan, the Museum and the Truly You Bridal Shop.

Donations are still being counted. Every year some 16,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Brain tumours can affect anyone of any age, regardless of gender, background or lifestyle and are the second most common cause of death from cancer in the under 40s.

The tumour has overtaken leukaemia as the biggest killer of children in the country.

To find out more about Hammer Out’s work and to make a donation or take part in one of its many fundraisers this year contact Joanna Ebbs on 01454 414355 or visit www.hammerout.co.uk