PLUCKY Mia Billins has asked MPs to help fund research into brain tumours.
The 10-year-old, from Emsworth, visited the Houses of Parliament today as the champion of the Wear a Hat campaign which encourages people to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
Mia was joined by her mum Michelle King, 41, and grandmother Lesley Fletcher, 68, as they raised awareness of the condition and listened to people talk about their experiences.
Professor Geoffrey Pilkington, of the University of Portsmouth, also gave people an insight into the research that is being carried out.
Mia and her family became involved following the death of Mia’s aunt Theresa Wadeson, last year at the age of just 37.
Theresa had battled with three bouts of the illness in eight years.
Mia and her mum Michelle King took part in many events with Theresa such as Race for Life and now the family are continuing the fundraising.
Mia said: ‘Lots of people don’t know but more people under 40 die of a brain tumour than any other cancer and they receive less than one per cent of national research spending in the UK.
‘On March 28 it is Wear a Hat day. Lots of people including myself will be wearing a hat to support the charity.
‘I am also holding a hat throwing competition at my school, Ditcham Park, in Petersfield.’
Michelle said: ‘I don’t think we realised how hard it was until this past year.
‘I would just like to say how proud we are of Mia and I know her auntie Theresa would be really pleased that she is continuing to support the charity in finding a cure for brain tumours.
‘It was quite an emotional day and there were so many people there affected by brain tumours.
‘I found it quite hard and draining.
‘It was really good for Mia to get involved. She enjoyed it.
‘As a mum I’m proud that she’s been able to help make a difference to other people.’
Lesley said: ‘I don’t think the government is doing enough to support people with this condition. We need them to be more aware of what’s going on.’
To support the cause go to braintumourresearch.org.
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