Kilwinning’s Wee Warrior is encouraging residents to support Wear a Hat Day this month to raise funds for brain tumour research.

Kieran Crighton and his mum Senga are starring in a campaign after the impact five brain tumours had on her teenage son and the family.

We previously told how Kieran Crighton was diagnosed with five brain tumours in 2018, then aged 12 before undergoing surgery to remove one of the aggressive tumours, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.

Now the Wee Warrior wants you to support Wear a Hat Day on Friday, March 27 during Brain Tumour Awareness Month.

Following the devastating diagnosis which saw doctors discover five brain tumours, Kieran underwent surgery to have the biggest tumour removed.

However the surgery left the Kilwinning Academy pupil unable to walk, speak or swallow after having the tumour cut out.

Despite his challenges, the teenager amazed medics with his spirit and determination.

Senga said: “Happily, Kieran learnt to speak again and we are expecting him to have surgery in March on his leg to hopefully get him walking properly again.

“Kieran, who also has to live with autism, has found confidence and inspiration from his wee friend Star, a sweet-natured Shih Tzu who never wants to leave Kieran’s side and even tries to go to school with him. Star has inspired Kieran to work on his mobility and even helped him make the decision to go ahead with the operation on his leg.

“It wasn’t until Kieran was in hospital that I realised how many children are affected by brain tumours. Kieran is now doing well. We were told after a scan in January 2019 that he was officially in remission, but we know from experience that he is one of the lucky few.”

Now in its 11th year, Wear A Hat Day has raised more than £1.25 million to help fund the fight against the disease.

Taking part in the campaign are Kieran’s mother Senga Crighton, his grandmother Lilian Crighton, aunt Wendy Crighton and cousin Lucas Crighton, 14, all from Kilwinning, his other grandmother, Jackie Lamb who lives in Glasgow and his little dog Star from whom Kieran is inseparable.