Hats off to Observer columnist

Jun 20 2011 By Lucy Cork

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A TOP journalist with a passion for ethical fashion will visit a school's hat competition in aid of a children's cancer charity.

Beaconfield High School, in Wattleton Road, will welcome Observer columnist Lucy Siegle to the event on July 4, where students aged 11-12 will put their textiles skills to good use in creating a hat for teenage cancer sufferers.

Jo Ashcroft, founder of 4myhead.com, an online shop selling hats and scarves for hair loss sufferers through cancer, has been working with the school to design and create the headwear.

She said: "I'm thrilled that Lucy has agreed to help us to judge the hats and pick the winner. As soon as I read Lucy's new book I knew her views would add an additional benefit to the students.

"Sustainability and recycling are a key part of the technology curriculum."

Helen Haynes, from Teenage Cancer Trust, who will also be judging on the night, said: "When I saw an example of the hats I was impressed with the students' efforts and the style choices they had made."

So far the school has raised around £1,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Ms Siegle will speak to pupils about sustainable fashion before judging some semi-finalist and then picking the winner.

Teacher Margriet Wells said: "The girls are really excited about the competition and chatting to Lucy about her work.

"There is a huge range of styles to choose from. The chosen design will be made by 4myhead for people to actually buy which is fantastic."