Staff at Thompsons Solicitors are donning weird and wonderful hats today to raise money and awareness for brain injury survivors as part of Hats for Headway Day (12 May).

The fundraising event, which marks the end of Action for Brain Injury Week, encourages people to donate £1 to brain injury charity Headway and post a picture of themselves wearing an unusual hat to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, with the hashtag #HatsForHeadway. Submissions can also be made on Headway’s website.

Those who post an image with the hashtag on social media will also be entered into a prize draw. The best individual photo wins a Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo coffee machine and the best corporate group shot will receive a full-page advert in Headway News.

In the event of a brain injury by workplace accident, road traffic collision or otherwise, the injured person and their families require support. Headway is a vital link to accessing this essential support and allows people to share their experiences with others who have been through similar circumstances.

Samantha Hemsley national head of the serious injury and clinical negligence team at Thompsons Solicitors

This Action for Brain Injury Week, brain injury survivors have been encouraged to share examples of how their injury led to them creating ‘A New Me’, with participants sharing stories, poems and illustrations highlighting the diverse emotions a brain injury can cause. The aim is to encourage people to talk more openly about brain injury, challenge misperceptions and highlight the value of accessing the right support.

Thompsons Solicitors works closely with Headway to provide support and rehabilitation for thousands of brain injury survivors and their families, including provisions for home and workplace alterations to give them greater independence.

 “Hats for Headway Day is a simple but effective way to raise vital funds for an important charity, while having fun in the process,” says Samantha Hemsley, national head of Thompsons’ serious injury and clinical negligence team. “Brain injury survivors are admitted to hospital, on average, every 90 seconds, so the need for the support Headway provides cannot be understated.

“In the event of a brain injury by workplace accident, road traffic collision or otherwise, the injured person and their families require support. Headway is a vital link to accessing this essential support and allows people to share their experiences with others who have been through similar circumstances.

“I look forward to seeing the photos of my colleagues in their hats and would urge everyone to get involved in this campaign and donate, so that Headway can continue to provide the life-changing services it does.”