BRIDGWATER’S policing team switched their iconic helmets for hats of all shapes and sizes in support of a colleague with an aggressive brain tumour.

Officers and staff at the Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Bridgwater Police Centre joined many others across the country with Wear A Hat Day.

This event takes place on March 29 although the Bridgwater office held theirs early on March 7.

Members of the team, based at Express Park, were inspired by rural beat manager PC Jim Murray. Jim’s wife Ally also works at the police centre as a missing persons coordinator.

She said: “Everyone who knows what Jim and anyone else who has a brain tumour is going through is getting behind Wear A Hat Day for Brain Tumour Research.”

The couple, who have been married for 30 years, live in Bridgwater and have recently become grandparents.

Jim and Ally were given the devastating news in early January after Jim had been suffering from headaches, vomiting and disturbed vision.

Tests confirmed that he had a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour, and three days later, he underwent gruelling surgery on the tumour.

Jim has recently started radiotherapy and chemotherapy to try to slow down the growth of the tumour.

Ally said: “Jim’s diagnosis has been a huge shock to us all, especially as he’s only 51 and has recently become a grandad.”

“He’s coping really well with his treatment and is determined to fight this horrible disease. The support shown by our family, friends and colleagues has been incredible and we’d like to thank everyone for their kindness.”

Bridgwater Mercury:

A cake sale, raffle, and donations raised a total of £455 for the charity.

Emma Cronin, Community Fundraising Manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone, at any age.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone at Bridgwater Police Centre for getting involved and hope people will support them and be inspired to hold their own events.

“It’s as easy as wearing a hat and making a donation.”

To get involved, or donate, visit www.wearahatday.org.