PICTURE GALLERY: More than £50,000 already raised by this year's Crazy Hats walk

The 14th Crazy Hats walk held at Wicksteed Park in March saw more than 2,000 people wearing hats of all shapes and sizes in support of the Wellingborough-based breast cancer charity.

Glennis Hooper, founder of the charity which raises money to improve breast cancer care at Kettering and Northampton general hospitals, said: “The walk total so far, with money still coming in and still time for people to send theirs in, is just over £51,000, which is on par with last year and a total we are delighted with.

“Thank you to everyone who has sent in their sponsor money and to all sponsors.

“Plans are under way already for number 15 in 2017.”

Glennis said the money will be put towards a new venue for the charity, which is currently based on the Finedon Road industrial estate in Wellingborough but has outgrown its premises.

The charity’s dream is find somewhere where they can open a purpose-built breast cancer haven for county patients.

But aside from making plans for the future and collecting the sponsorship money in, it has been a busy few months for the fundraisers.

Gleneagles Social Club in Wellingborough recently held a comedy night and presented a cheque for £300 to the charity.

The men’s captain of Rushden Golf Club for 2015 Dave Chisholm chose Crazy Hats as his charity of the year and raised £2,330.

And the club’s support is set to continue as the 2016 captain has also named them as his charity of the year.

More than £4,000 was raised at two events in one week organised by Crazy Hats members Pat Hyde, Linda Savage and Elaine Henson.

These were an open weekend at Hillside Nurseries in Finedon and a Ladies Who Love To Shop event at Rushden Bowls Club.

Support is ongoing from JHAI, the national building control company which is selling pink hard hats at trade shows around the country and giving half of the proceeds to the charity.

Anyone wanting to buy one for £10 can get them from the Crazy Hats office.

And despite having a jam-packed calendar, a number of the team were able to take time out to attend the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle, courtesy of the Rushden Waitrose store as its nominated charity.

Glennis said: “It was a great experience and honour for Crazy Hats, huge thanks to Waitrose.”

But the fun does not stop there as the Crazy Hats team is set for a busy summer when they will be attending the majority of the carnivals across the county.

If you would like to hold a fundraiser for Crazy Hats or want more details about the charity, call 01933 442999 or click here