The story behind what we would like to happen, and why.

Hello everyone!

This is a plea from “Crazy Friends” – formerly Trustees, members and friends of the “Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Charity that ran in Northamptonshire for twenty two years from 2001 – 2023 raising, through such amazing support, fun and hard work, an incredible £3.4 million. A huge amount you will say, but a huge amount that was used to enhance all aspects of breast cancer care in Northamptonshire with a small amount going to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Sadly, for various reasons, the charity closed its doors in 2003 but it went out on a high, using the sums of money remaining to build a new and beautiful breast clinic waiting area and landscaped gardens at Kettering General Hospital – a legacy for the charity, or so we thought.

With more money given for projects at Northampton General Hospital we found that after we had sold all the charity’s assets and the accountants had closed the books, we were left with a sum of money that we decided should be used in a different way.

Working very closely with the Northamptonshire Community Federation and the Breast Team at Kettering General Hospital, we discussed ways whereby we could offer small, one-off grants for newly diagnosed patients, knowing that for any newly diagnosed patient, finance may be an issue. A system was set up where the nurses make a newly diagnosed patient aware that a £100 grant was available to help them. It’s not a great deal of money but with only a certain amount to work with we knew we would not be able to support all the patients who are diagnosed. We also kept it to Kettering to see how it worked.

The Northants Community Foundation, in conjunction with the Breast Team manage everything and we are given regular updates. To date we have given out approximately 50 grants with a probable 125 left to give out. Knowing the numbers diagnosed each year – just at Kettering alone – exceed this we realise the pot of money will soon run out. It is working very well and it is a lovely feeling, even though we no longer exist as Crazy Hats, that our name is still being remembered and talked about – we have had some wonderful feedback from recipients. It is also a lovely feeling to be able to make a small difference to the lives of those just starting on their cancer journey.

This is where you come in. By setting up a JustGiving page we hope you will share our beliefs that this kind of support needs to continue and expand, if possible.

Throughout our years of being an active charity we used JustGiving a lot, as did supporters, to help raise funds – funds that came via events organised, special occasions, funerals and just general donations. So, if you share our vision, please, through social media and/or word of mouth, spread the word and consider making a donation now, or sometime in the future. To date, the Crazy Friends have donated a further £500 from raffles held weekly at their support meetings and a group in Corby have organised a School Reunion from which proceeds will be given to the Grants Fund. The process is very simple, fast and totally secure – your details are safe with JustGiving. If you are a taxpayer, a further 25% Gift Aid can be obtained by the Government to add to the donation. Updates will be available to see on our Facebook page – Crazy Friends.

Please take the time to look at the wonderful work the Northants Community Foundation (Registered Charity No. 1094646) do in helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

Every little helps and every little will, indeed, make a difference.

Thank you so much.

Glennis Hooper MBE (ex-Founder of the Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Charity)