Happy 18th to the Crazy Hats walk!

Charity's flagship fundraiser is back at Kettering's Wicksteed Park
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A charity is ready to celebrate as its flagship fundraiser hits 18 and could take them up to the £3.5 million mark.

The first Crazy Hats walk saw 250 people take part and £7,500 raised.

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Thousands of people have since stepped out at the annual fundraiser at Wicksteed Park and this year the walk is coming of age.

Members of the Crazy Hats committeeMembers of the Crazy Hats committee
Members of the Crazy Hats committee

All money raised will go towards improving breast cancer care at Kettering and Northampton general hospitals.

Crazy Hats founder Glennis Hooper said: "This is our flagship event and I am so proud that it has stood the test of time.

"It's moving, it's emotional, it's always happy and fun and it will be very pink this year.

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"It's incredible to think that we have reached number 18, I thought it would be a one-off.

The Crazy Hats walk turns 18 this yearThe Crazy Hats walk turns 18 this year
The Crazy Hats walk turns 18 this year

"Number 18 is quite an achievement for a charity and we are only small."

Last year's event saw 1,500 people taking part and £44,000 raised.

It is hoped that this year's walk on April 19 will help the charity reach the £3.5 million mark with its total fundraising.

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But it's not all about the money, Glennis of Wellingborough said: "It is about the people and bringing them together.

"I think that's what makes the charity special."

Glennis admitted that she always gets emotional when she stands on stage before the start of each walk, looking around at everyone singing You'll Never Walk Alone.

She loves to see people of all ages, as well as dogs, taking part and each having their own reason for being there.

But none of this would be possible without the ongoing support of Wicksteed Park and Avon, both of which have played a big part in the event's success over the years.

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Liz Maynard from Higham Ferrers first did the walk back in 2009 and loves being part of it.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, she knows how important the work of Crazy Hats is and regularly attends the coffee and chat session held at the charity's base on Wellingborough's Finedon Road industrial estate on a Thursday morning.

Liz, who now helps out at the walk, said: "The walk is lovely because everyone comes together and it's lovely to see a sea of pink.

"It's so good being part of it, I really enjoy it."

To register online for the walk, which starts at 10.30am on Sunday, April 19, at Wicksteed Park, go to www.crazyhatsbreastcancerappeal.co.uk

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People can also call the Crazy Hats office on 01933 442999 or email [email protected] for more details.

Walk entry is £10 for adults and £7.50 for under-16s.

All walkers will receive a free hat, T-shirt and medal.