I was invited to become the charity's President several years ago when I attended a presentation of money in the Oncology department at Northampton General Hospital. I knew quite a lot about Crazy Hats and knew they had the potential and vision to support the work we do as medical professionals. It is a privileged position and years on I know, first-hand, what a difference the team make to people's lives and well-being as patients go through their breast cancer journeys. The team work tremendously hard to raise funds for our hospitals and should be congratulated on their amazing success.

"From little acorns, great oaks grow!" From one crazy idea whilst trying on hats in Debenhams in Northampton a fantastic charity has evolved. My mum once said if we ever got to a £1; million it would be a good idea to stop, thinking we would never raise that amount. In 2015 we are set to celebrate raising £2; million! It is humbling to be spearheading such a unique team of people who work tirelessly to raise funds. Yes, we have a lot of fun, but we also work very hard. As an ex-head teacher, where I expected high standards at all times, I expect the same in running our charity - expecting standards in our breast care units to be high. In order for this to happen they need our help. We have much vision and I know we have the potential to help and support so many more aspects of breast cancer care here in Northamptonshire.

I was drawn to join Crazy Hats from its inception having known Glennis for many years through playing competitive tennis and being in the teaching profession. Now, as a fully committed member of a dedicated group of volunteers, I feel proud to help in whatever way I can. As Chair and as a Trustee of the Charity it has become an integral part of my life; one that I really enjoy. It is incredible to think how much the charity has progressed over the years and to realise the potential it has to further enhance breast cancer care in Northamptonshire.

Years ago, long before Crazy Hats was 'born', I worked with Glennis at school. We became firm friends and I hope I was there for her when she went through her treatment for breast cancer back in 2001. Never did we realise what a moment it was when I was with Glennis in Debenhams trying on hats because she did not like her wig. Now here we are in 2014 on and I am now working for the charity as Treasurer, Administrator and I am a Trustee. It is a privileged position and I love all aspects of the roles. It is so rewarding to know that what we are doing is making a significant difference to breast cancer care here in Northamptonshire. I know, for Glennis and the team are now supporting me through my breast cancer journey!

I first met Glennis in 2007 at a WI talk she gave. Glennis inspired me to organise a fundraising event for Crazy Hats and I have gone on to organise many since, involving my enthusiastic family and friends as helpers. In 2009 after bravely doing a tandem sky dive for the charity (I have done another since and my daughter has also taken the plunge) I was asked to join the ever-growing committee. In 2011 I progressed to becoming a Trustee and in 2013 I was asked if I would take on part-time work in addition to my voluntary work. The charity's Annual Sponsored Walk is the highlight of the year. Seeing the sea of pink t-shirts and knowing everyone is walking for the same reason can be very emotional because I have family members and friends who are breast cancer sufferers. The main attraction of Crazy Hats is that it is local; the money we donate to the hospitals is local and we are helping local people.

I finished my treatment for breast cancer in 2004. Having read about this crazy charity I knew I wanted to support it so chose to run a half marathon in Norway - at midnight! My job is travelling the world filming agricultural videos and training others to produce them so, using my skills, I film the Crazy Hats Walk each year and help out at events when I can. Having spent time at The Haven in London whilst undergoing treatment I know exactly what support is needed here in Northamptonshire - Northamptonshire needs its own 'haven'. You may have seen my husband Phil (ex-BBC presenter) acting as Master of Ceremonies at many of the charity's events, especially at the yearly Walks. Phil is keen to promote the county's craziest charity in any way he can.

I first became aware of Crazy Hats when I went along to their 'Celebration of Life' concert featuring school children singing with the Corby Male Voice Choir; it was so uplifting. At the time I had just lost two friends to breast cancer within 5 months; my sister was going through treatment and shortly afterwards my daughter was diagnosed. The concert had such an emotional effect on me that I immediately wanted to volunteer my services; I am now a Trustee. The support I had from the charity helped me through very difficult times, especially when my dear husband died of pancreatic cancer. I have made many good friends and I feel very proud to be part of such a dedicated team. The amount of money raised is proof of such dedication and also the support given by the community. Glennis, now a very dear friend, is an inspiration to everyone - when you are low she knows how to pick you up.

I first met Glennis in 2003 when she came into my shop to have some photocopying done. Having family and friends suffering from breast cancer I was intrigued by the work Glennis was doing so I decided to get involved and joined the committee. Whilst pregnant, my friend and I took part in the second Walk and I have helped out in many capacities at all the others, thoroughly enjoying everything about them. I also help out where I can with any graphic work that needs doing. I was honoured to be asked to be a Trustee as I love the fact that Crazy Hats is run by local people to raise money to help local patients and our local hospitals.

I did the Crazy Hats Walk for the first time, a few years ago, for my sister-in-law, then later my friend, Pat. Pat and I went along to an AGM as we both wanted to help and join. I love it! I love meeting new and old friends; we all have a lot of fun and I love the pink we wear. Everywhere I go I talk about Crazy Hats and my netball team wear the charity's pink shirt to play matches. I hope Crazy Hats will go on for many years to come helping breast cancer patients and their carers.

I became involved with Crazy Hats in 2007 having been diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then I have recovered from secondary breast cancer and the support I personally recieve from members of the charity is so good. I love working alongside like-minded people and going out and about at events to promote the charity. I hope that when I talk to people at our coffee and chat mornings I can help alleviate some of their fears and worries. Being with Crazy Hats has given me confidence to organise fundraising events of my own - I love it!

I am fairly new to Crazy Hats. I had been following the story of Crazy Hats, with interest, for years as Glennis used to teach my son. As soon as I met everyone at the office I was hooked and now I really enjoy helping out as a volunteer on a Tuesday and on Thursday mornings when we hold a coffee and chat session. I have been made to feel so welcome and I have grown to love the team as my family. When I wear the pink t-shirt I feel very proud knowing we are helping people and raising funds to buy equipment for our local hospitals.

Years ago I participated in two of the charity’s Walks and then offered to help where possible. I was taken on and joined the team. The enthusiasm is fantastic right from the top to us ‘girls’ who do whatever needs doing. It is very humbling to meet people and talk to many who have overcome breast cancer and to the ones who are newly diagnosed and about to start their journey. I feel that in being able to give someone a small amount of your time and to give that person confidence makes it all worthwhile. We are always learning; we are always laughing and we love what we do!

I was a District Nursing Sister specialising in palliative care so was horrified when I developed breast cancer soon after retirement. I knew of Crazy Hats through friends and Glennis had taught my son, so after successful treatment I offered my services. It is good to know you are helping 'the system' but I have also made many new friends in my 'adopted family'. We work hard; we play hard and we have a lot of laughs. More importantly, we are all there for each other and indeed for anyone who needs a listening ear and support as well as ensuring our breast care units have the best equipment and facilities.

As one of a team of volunteers I have certainly had ten enjoyable years with Crazy Hats. It has been an inspiring journey led by Glennis with everyone helping to fund raise. All the money raised is going to our local hospitals which will make a difference to the future breast cancer care in the county which is why I want to be involved. There are many fund raising events going on all the year round to get involved in. Just to mention two volunteers help with the weekly coffee mornings at the office where people in treatment come for support & a chat. The annual walk in March at Wicksteed Park is the highlight of the year for hundreds of walkers. It's a really busy time for everyone involved but not to be missed when so many who have been touched by breast cancer come in all weathers for this emotional walk. It's on days like this when it is a real honour to be part of this Crazy Hat dream whose ethos is one of inspiration & hope....with a little craziness thrown in. I LOVE it....just wish there were more hours in the day to be be more involved.

I have been fortunate not to have had breast cancer, but my sister and her daughter had it and my niece’s two daughters both had double mastectomies before they were twenty one as a preventative measure against the disease. My first reaction when learning my sister had breast cancer was relief, first and foremost, that it wasn’t me – followed by feeling guilty for thinking this. So, by becoming a member and serving on the committee of Crazy Hats, I felt I could do something positive in helping to fight this disease – for my family and anyone else who has suffered. It is a wonderful charity in that all money raised through its fundraising is ploughed back into supporting local hospitals with equipment; building such things as coffee shops at both KGH and NGH and funding many more projects to enhance their services. Our committee is a dedicated group of people who feel passionate about what we do to help raise funds – in fact we are all possibly a little crazy (some more than others!) but this helps in all the crazy things we find ourselves doing. But, it is all for a VERY GOOD CAUSE so we will carry on doing what needs to be done ........

I have been diagnosed with breast cancer twice; the first time in 1998 and again in 2004. When I had finished my treatment I felt it was pay-back time to the local community; to Kettering General Hospital and to Northampton General Hospital where I had received first-class care, nursing and medical attention. This is why I decided to join the devoted team of Crazy Hats and I have been a volunteer since 2010. I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute and if I can help any breast cancer patient on their journey by lending a sympathetic and listening ear to reassure them - this to me is giving something back. What I say to everyone is that with the help and encouragement of Crazy Hats there is a life out there that needs to be lived. Crazy Hats has certainly helped me.

About 5/6 years ago a friend asked me if I would like to go along to Crazy Hats and help them with the wrapping of prizes as they were particularly busy. This chance introduction to the charity led me on a wonderful journey of meeting so many, many different and lovely people. How bizarre it was that in 2010 I was diagnosed with breast cancer! I had a couple of operations, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy which resulted in me losing my hair. But, in all that time, I had so much love and support from everyone at Crazy Hats. Their Coffee and Chat mornings had started, which are proving to be so successful, and I found them so satisfying. I now feel I am able to give something back and now enjoy helping ladies currently going through the disease; it is so rewarding to know that we are able to put their minds at rest over certain issues – we know what they are going through! I also help out at carnivals, collection days, dances and offer help wherever I can. When someone says ‘thank you’ I feel as if I have won the lottery – it is a wonderful feeling to be able to help and support breast cancer care here in the county.

It was in 2002 when I first met Glennis, although years before that she had taught my daughter, Sarah. We had just lost a dear friend to breast cancer and as we talked I felt Ray and I needed to help in some small way to contribute to making a difference to people’s lives who had been or were going through treatment, be it raising funds or just by offering a listening ear. I am more of a creative member of the committee and really enjoy making items to be sold. Ray, my husband is 100% fully supportive and is always keen to fetch, carry and do whatever needs doing – my whole family love to be involved. We are privileged to be part of such a unique group who are united with our mission of enhancing breast cancer care in the county. We are a ship’s crew lead by a good captain. We are caring, reassuring, happy, adventurous, thoughtful, hardworking, sensitive and crazy. We are serious in all we do but we also have a lot of fun!

My journey with Crazy Hats first began in 2009 when I became a member. As a qualified Reflexologist I felt passionate about finding a local charity that would benefit from the complementary therapies I offer and lucky for me that charity was Crazy Hats. I attended their weekly coffee and chat mornings on a voluntary basis to begin with giving taster sessions of different treatments. In January the Trustees decided to adopt me officially and invited me to set up a regular service for breast cancer patients and their carers. I have learned so much from the patients who attend; their journeys are incredible so I am so pleased to be able to give them quality time and support. I am now a proud Committee member and look forward to what the future holds for the charity - we certainly have a wonderful team!

I first became involved with Crazy Hats back in 2006. I remember it well. I read in the paper that their new premises had just been burgled with £1.00 being taken from a charity box they had. It saddened me and because I had such close connections with breast cancer, having lost my mother-in-law, my wife, my daughter and my sister to the disease, I wanted to go and meet the crazy ladies and offer £1.00 to them. I have not looked back since. For years I had always supported a national cancer charity but now wanted to support a charity nearer to home – a charity that is local and specifically breast cancer. Apparently, I am affectionately known as their ‘errand boy’ because I enjoy running about for them taking deliveries, picking up boxes and helping out whenever I can, especially at carnivals and in the shopping centres. Crazy Hats supports me and has made a huge difference to my life. They are a great group of people!