Actress Gillian Anderson is backing a campaign to raise funds for brain tumour research.

The X-Files star has offered her support to Brain Tumour Research's Wear A Hat Day scheme, which aims to generate funds for the organisation's work.

The cause is especially close to Anderson's heart as her 30-year-old brother Aaron died of a brain tumour in 2011.

She says, "Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other form of cancer, yet research into this devastating disease is seriously underfunded. 

"At best, research equals a cure. At worst, we still have improved outcomes for patients." 

Screen stars Brigitte Nielsen and Nigel Havers are also backing the U.K. charity's fundraiser, which encourages participants to raise donations by wearing a hat all day on Thursday (28Mar13).