Dig out your Derby and find your Fedora as “Hats for the Hospice” with Mountbatten, the Islandwide hat mufti day, returns for its fifth year on 28 February 2020.

Dani Johnson, Mountbatten’s Community Events Fundraiser, said: “It’s a simple idea that asks people to don their favourite, funniest, biggest, smallest, most colourful or wackiest hat, in exchange for a £2 donation to support Island people who are facing death, dying and bereavement.

“Whether at work, at school, doing the shopping, meeting friends for lunch or going to the weekly game of rugby, wear a hat – simple as that!” she said.

Islanders are also encouraged to take a step further by holding their own Mad Hatter’s tea parties or hat parades.

Anyone who would like a ‘Hats for the Hospice’ high tea at Mountbatten’s own café in the John Cheverton Centre, at Mountbatten Hospice, can book their place by calling Jackie on (01983) 217342.

Costing £20 per person, the tea consists of a selection of sandwiches, cakes and treats in celebration of the event on 28 February. 

If you've forgotten your Fez, a selection of hats will be available to try on and pose with at Mountbatten’s Hat Stand, located in the John Cheverton Centre throughout the day.

Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive at Mountbatten, said: “We are constantly amazed and thankful at how our Island community gets involved in fundraising to help other Islanders, who are facing such difficult challenges.

"We continue to need as much support as possible as the number of people needing our support continues to grow and we must ensure we are there in the future. Thank you to everyone who goes above and beyond by continuing to support our work.”

How to get involved

Visit Mountbatten’s website and let us know what you’ll be doing for the event, and if you need any yellow collection boxes or sunflowers to sell.

Download the posters and other digital design assets to help spread the word about the event.

Share photos on social media using #hatsforthehospice2020 and tag @MountbattenIW so we can share your efforts.

Personal donations can be made online at www.mountbatten.org.uk, quoting ‘Hats for the Hospice’ in the comments box, cash donations can be handed into the fundraising office at the Newport hospice, or cheques can be sent in the post.