Beanie for Brain Cancer

BUY A BEANIE HELP BEAT BRAIN CANCER

Beanie for Brain Cancer

BUY A BEANIE. HELP BEAT BRAIN CANCER.

Mark HUghes Foundation

BEATING BRAIN CANCER IS WITHIN OUR POWER

Our Famous Magic Ball

Prepare to be captivated by Miami Nights at the 2025 MHF Magic Ball

Join us on 16 August at NEX, Newcastle for an electrifying evening featuring premium food & wine, world class entertainment, and exclusive auction prizes. This is one of the most anticipated events on the Hunter’s calendar, all in support of the Mark Hughes Foundation. Tickets are $235 each or $2300 for a table of 10. Mark your calendars NOW!! Tickets go on sale at 10am Tuesday, 6 May 2025. See you under the neon lights.

Thank you to our major sponsors – Avery, AHA Newcastle & Hunter and The MacDougall Foundation. We look forward to an unforgettable evening, all dedicated to supporting MHF patients and their families while driving crucial research into brain cancer. 

Ladies NZ Southern Alps Challenge

This April the ladies of MHF will embark on an 8-day trek through New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps to raise funds for brain cancer research and patient care.
This extraordinary journey will take our group of 20 ladies to some of the most remote and breathtaking locations in the region. They’ll hike through the dramatic landscapes of the Hooker Glacier, scale the sheer ice walls of Mt. Sefton, and take in the awe-inspiring views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The trek will continue over Rocky Mountain, to the summit of Ben Lomond Saddle, before descending into Queenstown.

Mark Hughes Foundation Beanie for Brain Cancer

When my wife Kirralee and I set up the Mark Hughes Foundation we wanted to make a difference, and make a difference fast! When you live with brain cancer you really appreciate how precious time is. We have to make every minute count. We wanted to raise money for research – FAST. Kiz suggested we sell beanies as a lot of brain cancer patients wear beanies to cover scars, bandages, loss of hair and just to keep warm. Thus “Beanie for Brain Cancer” was born in 2014.

Mark Hughes Foundation Major Events

Beating brain cancer will take the power of your support.

Community fundraising helps us raise vital funds to support brain cancer patients, raise awareness about brain cancer and raise funds for research to find a cure. We have now made it even easier for you to support us.

NRL Round

NRL Round

One of the highlights on the National Rugby League calendar is the annual NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, which invites the wider rugby league community to join the Mark Hughes Foundation on their quest to tackle brain cancer.

Read More

Magic Ball

Magic Ball

Our MHF Magic Ball is one of the most sought after tickets in town, and has grown into one of the most anticipated Black tie gala events in the Hunter region annually. Featuring premium cuisine and wines, high calibre entertainment, captivating themes, celebrity MCs, and prestigious auction items, it promises an unforgettable evening, all dedicated to supporting MHF patients and their families while driving crucial research into brain cancer. Mark your calendars for the 9th MHF Magic Ball, set to grace NEX, Newcastle, on August 16, 2025.

Read More

Adventure Treks

Adventure Treks

During the early afternoon hours of Christmas Day in 2015 one of Marks great mates, Billy Peden, decided he wanted to make a difference! He called Paul ‘Chief’ Harragon that afternoon and the MHF Adventure Treks were born. At the time, neither of them would have realised that this was the start of what would become an annual life changing event raising millions of dollars for the Mark Hughes Foundation. Since 2016, there have been eight adventure treks all around the world raising over $3.5 million so far to support brain cancer patients and their families.

Read More

Beanie For Brain Cancer

Beanie For Brain Cancer

When my wife Kirralee and I set up the Mark Hughes Foundation we wanted to make a difference, and make a difference fast! When you live with brain cancer you really appreciate how precious time is. We have to make every minute count. We wanted to raise money for research – FAST. Kiz suggested we sell beanies as a lot of brain cancer patients wear beanies to cover scars, bandages, loss of hair and just to keep warm. Thus "Beanie for Brain Cancer" was born in 2014.

Read More

MHF Major Events

Beating brain cancer will take the power of your support.

Community fundraising helps us raise vital funds to support brain cancer patients, raise awareness about brain cancer and raise funds for research to find a cure. We have now made it even easier for you to support us.

Beanie For Brain Cancer

Beanie For Brain Cancer

When my wife Kirralee and I set up the Mark Hughes Foundation we wanted to make a difference, and make a difference fast! When you live with brain cancer you really appreciate how precious time is. We have to make every minute count. We wanted to raise money for research – FAST. Kiz suggested we sell beanies as a lot of brain cancer patients wear beanies to cover scars, bandages, loss of hair and just to keep warm. Thus "Beanie for Brain Cancer" was born in 2014.

Read More

Adventure Treks

Adventure Treks

During the early afternoon hours of Christmas Day in 2015 one of Marks great mates, Billy Peden, decided he wanted to make a difference! He called Paul ‘Chief’ Harragon that afternoon and the MHF Adventure Treks were born. At the time, neither of them would have realised that this was the start of what would become an annual life changing event raising millions of dollars for the Mark Hughes Foundation. Since 2016, there have been eight adventure treks all around the world raising over $3.5 million so far to support brain cancer patients and their families.

Read More

Magic Ball

Magic Ball

Our MHF Magic Ball is one of the most sought after tickets in town, and has grown into one of the most anticipated Black tie gala events in the Hunter region annually. Featuring premium cuisine and wines, high calibre entertainment, captivating themes, celebrity MCs, and prestigious auction items, it promises an unforgettable evening, all dedicated to supporting MHF patients and their families while driving crucial research into brain cancer. Mark your calendars for the 9th MHF Magic Ball, set to grace NEX, Newcastle, on August 16, 2025.

Read More

NRL Round

NRL Round

One of the highlights on the National Rugby League calendar is the annual NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, which invites the wider rugby league community to join the Mark Hughes Foundation on their quest to tackle brain cancer.

Read More

BEATING BRAIN Cancer will take the power of research

We believe that with the power of research, innovation, compassion and collaboration, together, we can beat brain cancer.

MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research

The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative research centre which brings together scientists and clinicians, consumers and patient care professionals and builds on the University of Newcastle’s established and dynamic cancer research ecosystem and world-class technology, spaces and infrastructure.

Through collaboration and partnership with our community and like-minded national and international organisations, the Centre will drive world-leading research programs to improve the lives of people with brain cancer today and increase survival rates in the future.

We are taking action and bringing together the best experts in the field to advance brain cancer research to achieve the greatest impact for brain tumour patients.

MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research

The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative research centre which brings together scientists and clinicians, consumers and patient care professionals and builds on the University of Newcastle’s established and dynamic cancer research ecosystem and world-class technology, spaces and infrastructure.

Through collaboration and partnership with our community and like-minded national and international organisations, the Centre will drive world-leading research programs to improve the lives of people with brain cancer today and increase survival rates in the future.

We are taking action and bringing together the best experts in the field to advance brain cancer research to achieve the greatest impact for brain tumour patients.

Our News

Keep up to date with latest news by MHF

Stay up to date with all the latest news by Mark Hughes Foundation. 

April 22, 2025

Former Knights Ride to Beat Brain Cancer

A team of former Newcastle Knights are trading in their footy boots for bike cleats to take on an epic 300km+ ride
March 25, 2025

Introducing Our 2025 Ladies NZ Southern Alps Trek Sponsors!

As we gear up for an incredible challenge in the breath taking Southern Alps of New Zealand, we are beyond grateful for
March 13, 2025

Mark joins Ali on ACA

Story from 9Now Fellow brain cancer crusader reveals chance meeting with Richard Scolyer in raw tribute
March 11, 2025

From Surgery to Summit: A Journey to Fight Brain Cancer

Meet Mihikore, a courageous brain cancer warrior from Queensland who is turning her personal battle into a mission to help others. After

Our Events

Find an event to attend near you

Stay up to date with all the latest events by Mark Hughes Foundation. 

Saturday |  Drawn June 7

Big Three Trek Raffle

Support Jason, Kylee, Michael, Rhys & Lisa’s fundraising for The Big Three Trek!
Friday - Tuesday |  May 2 - May 6 2025

UPA – Ten peaks Challenge

Grab your hiking boots because we’re heading to the Snowy Mountains to take the ultimate challenge. This is your opportunity to push beyond your limits and discover what you’re truly capable of. You’ll conquer 10 peaks, cover 46.6 kilometres, and reach heights of 2,228 meters above sea level.
Sunday |  04 May

HOKA Runaway Sydney Half Marathon 2025

Experience a truly unique city running experience through the beating heart of the Sydney CBD on Sunday 4 May 2025.
Sunday |  18 May

7Rocky River Run 2025!

The 7Rocky River Run is back on Sunday 18 May 2025 with registrations opening 3 December 2024!

Our Stories

EVERY ONE OF THE 2000 BRAIN CANCER PATIENTS DIAGNOSED EACH YEAR and those connected to our cause have a STORY

Some are difficult to read, some hard to even imagine, some are uplifting and some tragic – but every one of them is inspiring.

Sholto’s Story: Sharon’s Hope

‘On June 4th, 2018, our world shifted. My husband Sholto McKeown — father to Australian Dolphins Swim Team sisters Taylor and

Garth’s Story

So Thursday December 14, 2023 sort of seemed like any day to me. Except for something really different. I had slept

Grieving the Living: A Family’s Journey Through the Shadows of Brain Cancer

We hear the far too many tragic stories of children and adults who lose their battle with brain cancer.  We hear

From Surgery to Summit: A Journey to Fight Brain Cancer

Meet Mihikore, a courageous brain cancer warrior from Queensland who is turning her personal battle into a mission to help others.

Donate today & help beat brain cancer

Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children, and adults aged under 40 in Australia, yet alarmingly very little is known about brain cancer, its causes or how it is treated.

That’s why we need your help. Every dollar helps in the fight against brain cancer. Your donation will go towards vital research to improve patient treatments and, hopefully, find a cure one day.

All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Donate today, help beat brain cancer

Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children, and adults aged under 40 in Australia, yet alarmingly very little is known about brain cancer, its causes or how it is treated.

That’s why we need your help. Every dollar helps in the fight against brain cancer. Your donation will go towards vital research to improve patient treatments and, hopefully, find a cure one day.

All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

You are now leaving the Mark Hughes Foundation website to go to The University of Newcastle website. Do you wish to proceed?