True Blue Mark Hughes will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Beanies for Brain Cancer Round across Round 17 of the NRL Telstra Premiership this week.
Rugby League fans have already helped raise almost $30 million ($29.7 million) through the sale of 1.3 million beanies since the campaign started in 2017.
The funding raised helped the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) to establish one of the country’s leading brain cancer research centres at the University of Newcastle in 2022. This month MHF injected a new, landmark $18.9 million philanthropic gift to drive the next phase of research.
The Westpac NSW Blues men’s and women’s teams have also thrown their support behind the round while Sportsbet will also continue its long running support by donating $1000 for every try scored.
“Ten years ago, this started with an idea between two people determined to do something in the face of brain cancer,” Hughes said. “To see what it has become today is something I never could have imagined.
“This round is about recognising every person who has stood beside us over the past decade — every supporter, every volunteer, every player, every club and every family who has helped drive real change in the fight against brain cancer.
“I feel incredibly grateful every day to meet people whose lives have been touched by the research, care and support this round helps make possible – but just as importantly, by the awareness it creates and the conversations it starts around brain cancer right across the country. That’s what this round is really about – giving hope where it’s needed most.
“We’ve achieved so much together, but there is still more to do. So put your beanie on this week, wear it proudly and know you’re helping make a real difference for Australians facing brain cancer.”
The Beanies for Brain Cancer Round concept carries on the legacy of its creator, Nine’s executive producer of NRL, the late Matt Callander who lost his brave battle with brain cancer in 2017.
This year the round features matches in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Townsville, Canberra and the Gold Coast with beanies available for purchase at each match venue.
The annual Big Three Trek kicks off this Friday with a record 85 trekkers set to walk 150 kilometres from Sydney to Newcastle over three days, arriving at McDonald Jones Stadium for the clash between Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers on Sunday 28 June.
In Australia, brain cancer kills more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. One person is diagnosed with brain cancer every five hours.
Beanies are also available from all Lowes Australia stores and at participating Woolworths and IGA Australia stores.
To purchase a beanie online or donate, fans can visit markhughesfoundation.com.au.
