A FORMER Kidderminster teacher with terminal brain cancer will auction more than 45 signed celebrity hats from the likes of Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy to raise cash for charity.
Katie Smith, aged 33, who was head of English at Wyre Forest School, says she is determined to help find a cure for the disease after being told she may not survive to her 40th birthday.
Since the shock diagnosis four years ago, Katie and her husband Luke have dedicated their lives to raising awareness, setting up their own fundraising group Brainstorm under the umbrella of Brain Tumour Research.
The Stourbridge couple's next fundraising challenge will be a black tie ball and auction, hosted by Bargain Hunt's Philip Serrell at Villa Park on December 6.
Among the celebrities to donate their hats for the event are Hollywood A-lister Cillian Murphy, Sir Chris Hoy, Dawn French, the Aston Villa team and members of the bands Coldplay, the Vamps and Bastille.
Mother-of-one Katie, who has already raised £30,000 for the charity since 2015, said: "Fundraising has always been a good focus for me and a way to do something positive in light of my situation.
"The festive-themed ball will be a wonderful way to round off a fantastic year of charity events, having previously hosted a samba concert, held collections around the community and taken part in Brain Tumour Research’s Wear A Hat Day campaign.
“Many of those attending the event have also been affected by a brain tumour, including my friend Penny Church, who tragically lost her son Fin when he was just 11 years old.
"I’m particularly looking forward to the hat auction, as Luke and I have been pushing to get as many signed hats as possible over the year.
"We’ve been blown away by everyone’s generosity and are hoping to sell 150 tickets and to raise thousands of pounds on the night.”
Katie's latest scan showed her tumour is now stable.
She said: "I’m relieved that the results of my latest scan showed that my tumour is stable.
"I’d been suffering from tingly sensations in my arms and I desperately hoped that this wasn’t a sign that my tumour had grown again. My next scan will be in three months.
“The constant worry of my illness causes me to have sleepless nights and the tiredness exacerbates my concerns. It’s a vicious circle.
"I try and stay strong for my two-year-old son Eli but there are days when it’s really tough.”
Michael Thelwall, head of community fundraising at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Katie’s commitment to fundraising in light of everything she’s been through is truly remarkable and we hope she inspires others to fundraise for this vital cause.
“Brain tumours are indiscriminate - they can affect anyone at any age."
To donate to Brainstorm, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/katiecake13.
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