Thank you to everyone who took part in 2026- and a heartfelt thank you to Fortnum and Mason for providing our individual winner with a luxury hamper!
Winning hat for 2026
This year’s individual winning hat is the incredible creation of Becky Hogan from Headway Somerset.
Becky’s hat showcased a brain made of fluffy pompoms, with one half highlighting a ‘normal’ brain and the other half showing a brain with an acquired brain injury (ABI).
She said the bright colours represent busy, recurring thoughts and questions, as well as the struggles which survivors face on a daily basis, including feeling isolated from ‘the everchanging world around us’.
The other half shows a ‘normal’ brain, which Becky likened to an egg.
She said: “The yolk is the brain, the important part to be kept safe. The egg white being the cerebrospinal fluid and blood brain barrier membrane, with the egg white representing the three meninges (dura, arachnoid and pia mater). The eggshell represents the skull and skin, the final protective layer to the outside world. These layers protect the brain.”
What inspired you to enter this amazing hat?
“I struggle to put how I feel into words and find it easier to express myself through arts and crafts. I wanted to be a part of Hats for Headway to raise awareness about the group I attend and the hidden impacts of acquired brain injury (ABI).”
How do you feel about winning the best hat for Hats for Headway?
“Pleased because I beat our Service Manager, Donna’s entry! But also, surprised because there were so many good hats. I am very happy to win.”
What does Headway Somerset mean to you?
“Family, support and togetherness.”
Any advice for anyone wanting to take part next year?
“Give it a go and do your best!”
Winning corporates for 2026
Our corporate winner this year is Unite Professionals, an independent case management company in the UK, who provide specialist support for individuals who have sustained serious or catastrophic injuries.
The Unite Professionals team wore all types of hats from traditional fedoras, beanies and cowboy hats to playful, handmade and novelty designs including fluffy bird cone party hats, colourful sombreros and ocean creatures including a shark and crab!
They said:
“We’re delighted that Unite Professionals has been recognised as a Hats for Headway winner. We loved coming together outside of work to get creative - it really brought out our teamwork and sense of fun, which reflects how we support each other every day. Collaboration is at the heart of effective rehabilitation and is central to both Unite Professionals and Headway, as we work to support individuals who have sustained brain injuries.”
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