New Year Honours 2024: MBE for Wellingborough cancer charity founder

Glennis Hooper at the 2022 opening of the new Crazy Hats lounge at Kettering Hospital

A woman who set up a breast cancer charity said "it was a little bit surreal" to learn she had been appointed MBE in the New Year Honours.

Glennis Hooper, 69, of Wellingborough, Northants, set up the Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal with friend Marilyn Clapham, in 2002.

Both women contracted breast cancer, with Ms Clapham dying of the disease in 2022.

"I'm shocked and very proud for my charity," said the former headteacher.

She and Ms Clapham named the charity while shopping for hats to hide Ms Hooper's hair loss, due to chemotherapy treatment.

Marilyn Clapham (left) and Glennis Hooper outside the gates of Buckingham Palace in 2015 where they had been invited to a Royal garden party

"It's not just about me, but about the thousands who've gone through breast cancer," said Ms Hooper, 69.

"I wish Marilyn was with me. It was a privilege to do the job; to be part of these people's lives."

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With the help of hundreds of volunteers, Crazy Hats raised more than £3.5m for cancer support and specialised hospital equipment, before it closed in 2021.

Crazy Hats held 17 sponsored walks in Wicksteed Park, Kettering

What started as a one-time event in Northampton grew into a 20-year movement, with an annual sponsored walk at Wicksteed Park, Kettering, among its fundraising events.

It was also behind a cancer patients' care centre that opened in Northampton in 2022.

The centre provides support such as access to therapy and craft rooms, as well as the opportunity to connect with fellow sufferers.

Just before closing, the trust donated £390,000 to Kettering General Hospital towards a new waiting lounge in the hospital's breast unit and transformation of the gardens and reception area.

In 2016, the charity made an appearance in Parliament when former Wellingborough MP Peter Bone donned an outlandish hat to celebrate Local Charities Day.

Ms Hooper's service was also recognised by Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017 with a Points of Light award.