A dad from south west London will be the face of a charity campaign to raise awareness of brain tumours.
Sam Suriakumar, a father-of-two from Worcester Park, will appear on the backs of buses and digital display screens nationwide for the annual Wear A Hat Day campaign.
Mr. Suriakumar, a brain tumour patient himself, is one of four individuals chosen for Brain Tumour Research campaign.
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His poster will be featured on 400 buses and more than 100 digital screens throughout the UK, until March 4.
The aim is to encourage more people to sign up for Wear A Hat Day, the charity’s flagship fundraising event, set to be held this year on Thursday, March 28.
Wear A Hat Day encourages people to don their favourite hats, organise hat-themed events, and make donations to help find a cure for brain tumours.
Launched 15 years ago, it has raised more than £2 million to date.
Mr. Suriakumar, who is a Brain Tumour Research supporter ambassador and has raised more than £40,500 for the charity, said: "It was an honour to be asked to take part in this campaign in the same year the charity celebrates its 15th anniversary.
"I hope it helps increase registrations for Wear A Hat Day, which is a fun way to support a really important cause."
The 38-year-old, who discovered he had a low-grade glioma in February 2020, is currently undergoing chemotherapy, following prior surgery and radiotherapy.
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Mr. Suriakumar added: "None of us know what the future holds, brain tumour patients more than most, but I’m determined to live as well as I can, for as long as I can.
"I know greater investment in research is the key to improving survival rates in the future and I will continue to support Brain Tumour Research to help make sure that happens, if not for me then for my beautiful family and everyone else affected by this devastating disease."
Other campaigners featured in the Wear A Hat Day promotion include the charity’s patron, Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell, drag star Eddie Adams, and nine-year-old Betsy Griffin.
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "Wear A Hat Day takes on different themes each year, but to have patient supporters feature in our 2024 campaign is particularly special.
"Anyone can take part in Wear A Hat Day, be it with friends or family, at home, work or in school.
"For those who are unable to host a hat-themed event, we just ask that they put on a hat, share a photo on social media using the hashtag #WearAHatDay and make a donation to help find a cure for brain tumours."
Brain Tumour Research is a charity dedicated to funding sustainable research and campaigning for increased government investment into brain tumour research.
They strive to speed up new treatments for patients and ultimately find a cure.
The charity has led the call for a national annual spend of £35 million on brain tumours to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers.
To register for Wear A Hat Day, or for more information, visit www.wearahatday.org.
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