Picture gallery: Crazy Hats Walk 2016

Despite a cloudy start to the day, the sun came out just in time for the start of the five-mile walk around Wicksteed Park in Kettering yesterday (Sunday).

Hats of all shapes and sizes had been beautifully crafted for the day to adorn the heads of people of all ages taking part.

A large number of dogs were also getting into the spirit of the fundraiser by wearing a range of accessories, including hats, skirts and tutus.

Glennis Hooper, founder of the Wellingborough-based charity which raises money to support breast cancer care at Kettering and Northampton general hospitals, thanked everyone for being part of the day before saying a special thank you to all the Crazy Hats volunteers who give up their time to make the annual event a success.

Glennis was joined on stage by a number of dignitaries, including Kettering Hospital’s chief executive David Sissling, Kettering MP Philip Hollobone, Wellingborough and Rushden MP Peter Bone and the charity’s president Dr Roy Mathew.

Several sponsors were also there, including representatives from Avon.

Before the walkers set off, the traditional singing of You’ll Never Walk Alone was led by Nigel Adair and there was also a minute’s silence to remember those who have been lost to breast cancer.

Crazy Hats has raised more than £2 million since its launch.

While the charity plans to continue supporting projects at the county’s two main hospitals, the money raised by this year’s walk will go towards the charity’s aim to build a breast cancer haven to support people going through treatment in the county.

For more information about Crazy Hats and its work go to crazyhatsbreastcancerappeal.co.uk.