The Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) is set to hit a remarkable milestone of selling its one- millionth beanie during the annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round which kicks off tomorrow night (Thursday 29 June).
Having been an important round on the NRL calendar for the last seven years, the Mark Hughes Foundation has raised $24 million and is hoping to add another $3.4 million across Round 18 in 2023.
Founder Mark Hughes is still in awe of the constant support shown from the Rugby League community each year as the cause continues to grow and raise awareness.
“It’s really out of this world,” Hughes told NSWRL.com.au
“This is the seventh Beanie for Brain Cancer round and we have had so much support from the Rugby League Community over the years.
“It doesn’t happen without them and I’m very grateful for that.”
When the first beanie was sold back in 2014, Hughes says he never thought the event would become as big of a success.
“I don’t think I could have dreamt it would have gotten this big,” he said.
“When the NRL, Channel 9, Fox (League) and all the radio stations got involved and got behind it, it just exploded into a big round in Rugby League.
“Having the leading players and coaches wearing our beanies has been really big, they’ve all bought into it and it’s made a big difference.”
The Big Three Trek - which has become an annual event during Beanie for Brain Cancer round - will again take place with 60 trekkers walking from McDonald Jones Stadium to 4 Pines Oval at Brookvale.
Walking 150km between Newcastle and Manly, the walkers will be aiming to raise over $180,000 for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
“It’s added such a great element to the round,” Hughes said.
“It gives family members who have been touched by brain cancer or brain cancer patients the opportunity to do something, challenge themselves and raise money for a great cause.”
This year, the walk has been dedicated to former trekker Cass Bennett, who participated in the Big Three Trek in 2022 however sadly passed away later last year.
“They will be walking for Cass over the three days.”
