A 26-year-old woman undergoing treatment for an incurable brain tumour was given the 'royal treatment' during a photoshoot at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Paige Gouge - who used to live in Dunmow but now lives in Bishop's Stortford - was chosen to model one of 22 hats made by the biggest names in millinery, which will be auctioned in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
Paige was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in October 2021, after suffering from seizures, which were initially attributed to her having a low iron count.
She is the second member of her family to be diagnosed with this type of brain tumour, which has a prognosis of just 12-18 months. Her father Mark died from the same type of tumour in 2000, age 37.
Paige, who works as an HR manager, has undergo a debulking surgery, combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy and a six month course of chemo, and is currently privately funding immunotherapy treatment in Germany.
She returned from her sixth round of immunotherapy the night before the photoshoot, and modelled a Martha Lynn hat named Regal Red Polkas.
Her mum Tracy, who joined her for the photos, wore a Camilla Rose hat called Orb.
Paige said: "It was really nice to be pampered, and to have my mum there as well. It was a really fun day. Everyone was so lovely and we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
"My hat went so well with my dress, the two looked stunning together. But all the hats were unbelievable, it’s a real skill to be able to make hats that spectacular.
"I’ve never been to a race day but I really felt that atmosphere and now when I see them on TV, I’ll be looking at what hats everyone is wearing."
Paige's brother Ryan will run the London Marathon to raise money for Brain Tumour Research next year.
Tracy said: "This is the second time our family’s gone through this. It’s so important for anyone who feels unwell, even after going to the doctors, to persist with getting tests because we know our bodies best.
"The lack of investment in research also needs to be addressed because a cure needs to be found, and soon. I would urge people to support the auction."
The hats will be on display as part of the Crowning Glory: A Milliners’ Celebration of All the King’s Colours exhibition.
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The hat collection will be hosted by The Jockey Club over the Coronation weekend, at the QIPCO Guineas Festival in Newmarket (May 5 - 7) and The Derby at Epsom Downs on June 2 and 3.
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer and the awareness and funds raised by this fantastic project will help us as we work towards finding a cure for this devastating disease.
"It was wonderful to see Tracy and Paige modelling these beautiful hats - their involvement in this unique event is hugely appreciated."
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