PRIMARY school pupils in Bradford are supporting a national charity’s fundraising event in tribute to a teacher who died of a brain tumour.

Green Lane Primary School has signed up to take part in the Brain Tumour Research charity’s Wear A Hat Day for the second year following the loss of assistant head teacher, Andrew Whitton.

Pupils raised £1,300 at last year’s event by going to school in their most flamboyant and outrageous hats, and dancing through the school in a giant conga line.

Mr Whitton, a much-loved teacher and colleague at Green Lane Primary, was unable to attend but enjoyed the photos of the event from his bed at Chapel Allerton Hospital.

He never returned to work at Green Lane Primary and just a few months after Wear A Hat Day, pupils were told the devastating news that he had died.

Rachel Allinson, fellow assistant head teacher at the school said: “Wear A Hat Day 2018 was such a hit with the children, they absolutely loved fundraising as it was their own little way of honouring Mr Whitton.

"This year will be all the more poignant as Andy is no longer with us.

“We’re a big school, with over 700 pupils, but we are one big family and losing Andy was so sad.

"We just want to honour him and demonstrate to our pupils that something positive can come from tragedy.”

Mr Whitton, who lived in Apperley Bridge with his husband, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2017.

The teacher underwent surgery and treatment but died just over a year later in July 2018.

Matthew Wright, community fundraising manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “It’s touching that the pupils and staff at Green Lane Primary are so committed to fundraising in Andrew’s memory.

"They have raised an incredible amount so far and we are extremely grateful for their support.

“Andrew’s story reminds us not only that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, but also that less than 20 per cent of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years.

"We cannot allow this desperate situation to continue and we hope that Andrew’s story will inspire others to take part in Wear A Hat Day on Friday, March 29.”

Wear A Hat Day has raised over a million pounds since it was launched by Brain Tumour Research 10 years ago and is the culmination of Brain Tumour Awareness Month in March.

The big day will see schools, workplaces, families and individuals across the UK fundraising and taking part in fun events to raise awareness of brain tumours and help fund life-saving research.

Funds raised will develop the charity’s network of world-class brain tumour research centres in the UK where scientists are focused in improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, finding a cure.

To get involved, or donate, visit: www.wearahatday.org or text HAT to 70660 to donate £5.