CELEBRITIES ranging from fashionista Gok Wan to Falklands veteran Simon Weston donned bandanas to support brain tumour charity Hammer Out – all thanks to a Worcester fundraiser who survived the illness.

Bridget Dowty, of Perdiswell, Worcester, beat her own brain tumour after she was diagnosed 10 years ago.

She is now volunteering at Hammer Out Brain Tumours after winning the position through the Vodafone World of Difference Campaign for the second year running.

And her passion for the cause shone through at an event attended by winners of the competition, when Ms Dowty grabbed the opportunity to take a photo with Gok Wan and Simon Weston MBE wearing the symbol of Hammer Out’s campaign, the bandana.

She said: “I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try to get a great endorsement from two well-known faces with a photograph of them wearing the campaign bandanas.

“Gok really entered into the spirit and styled my bandana to match his too, and as you might expect had some fun with it.

“And Simon Weston is truly inspirational in his sincerity, commitment and belief in what we can all achieve when we face tough challenges in life, the difference that we can all make. So for his face to be amongst the supporters of Hammer Out’s Bandanas campaign means a lot.”

Ms Dowty first became connected with the charity via its support group, the Worcestershire Brain Tum-our Support Group, which she joined five years ago, going on to volunteer through the competition.

The illustrator and designer joined the group after her recovery to help support others going through a similar experience.

“I was fortunate my tumour was benign and after surgery, despite some serious complications, I made a complete recovery.

“Hammer Out supports patients and their loved ones through the physical and emotional trauma of brain tumour diagnosis, treatment, and sadly sometimes, bereavement. I know from first-hand experience how important that support can be.

“So I’m delighted to have another opportunity to further help raise awareness of the effects of brain tumours, the need for increased research and better treatment, and in particular put more people in touch with the support available when they are facing such a distressing time.”

The campaign continues throughout March.

For more information visit hammerout.co.uk/bandanas.