Media Release | Wednesday 12 June
BUY A BEANIE THIS WEEK ACROSS NRL ROUND 15 JUNE 13 – 16
THE BIG THREE TREK DEPARTS SYDNEY FOR NEWCASTLE JUNE 14
The Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) is proud to continue its partnership with the National Rugby League (NRL) to kick off the eighth annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round this week across Round 15 of the Telstra Premiership.
Holding a special place in the NRL calendar each year, Beanie for Brain Cancer Round brings together Rugby League clubs, players, and fans alike to raise crucial funds for brain cancer through the sale of beanies online, at NRL matches and select retail outlets.
The concept carries on the legacy of its creator, Nine’s executive producer of NRL, the late Matt Callander who sadly lost his battle with brain cancer in October 2017.
Over one million beanies have been sold since the first Beanie for Brain Cancer Round earlier that year, helping MHF raise over $30 million for brain cancer research and patient support.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the generosity and support of the Rugby League community has made a difference in the lives of many Australians living with brain cancer.
“Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is an inspiring example of the power of the Rugby League community,” Mr Abdo said.
“When Rugby League unites behind an important cause, amazing things happen. We are proud of the contribution the game has made in assisting Mark and his team to combat this disease.
“One million beanies sold is an incredible achievement over the first seven years, and this year we are calling on Rugby League fans to help us take this fight to another level. The contribution of people across all parts of the game is having a real impact on so many lives.”
MHF Founder, Mark Hughes, said: “One of the great things in rugby league is it offers so many different opinions. It’s this type of passion from the fans that makes it so special.”
“When it’s time for Beanie Round, this changes. We become united as one big team. We can all agree on one thing and we all want to help make a difference, by supporting brain cancer. It doesn’t matter what team you support, we are on the same side and ready to take on our opponent – brain cancer. This is so much more important than a win or a loss.
“The momentum that keeps building, thanks largely to this round, is a game changer. Whilst we haven’t won a premiership yet, we are setting the foundations for a better future and giving hope to brain cancer patients and families. We can’t do this alone, and our focus is expanding our national and international research partnerships to fast track a solution.
“On the field, it’s a competition. But when it comes to curing brain cancer, it’s all about collaboration. By purchasing a beanie, you are part of the movement and we are so grateful to the entire rugby league community for being a part of this, as we continue to tackle brain cancer together.
Sportsbet will continue its long running support by donating $1000 for every try scored across the round. A partner of MHF since the inception of Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, Sportsbet’s total contribution will top $500,000 this year.
Beanie For Brain Cancer Round 2024 features matches in Sydney, Canberra and Auckland and will culminate in Newcastle where Hughes’ former club the Knights host reigning Premiers Penrith at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 16 June.
The Big Three trek will once again take place alongside Beanie for Brain Cancer Round with 64 trekkers set to walk 150 kilometres from Sydney to Newcastle over three days raising funds and awareness for brain cancer.
In Australia, Brain Cancer kills more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. Supporters are being urged to help raise much needed funds by buying a beanie or donating to the Mark Hughes Foundation. More information is available at markhughesfoundation.com.au.
Click here for new Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign video here – 2024 Mark Hughes Foundation Beanie for Brain Cancer Campaign
Beanies are also available online from all Lowes Australia stores, participating NSW/QLD/ACT IGA Australia stores or online at www.markhughesfoundation.com.au.
Brain Cancer statistics
• Survival rates have increased by 1% over the last 35 years
• Kills more children under 10 than any other disease
• Only 2/10 people diagnosed will live more than 5 years
• Kills more adults under 40 than any other cancer
• Receives less than 5% of federal funding for cancer research
• One person every 5 hours is diagnosed in Australia
About MHF
The Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) is a charity formed in Newcastle by Mark and Kirralee Hughes following Mark’s diagnosis with Brain Cancer in 2013. The Mark Hughes Foundation’s mission is to raise much needed funds for research, to create awareness and support brain cancer patients and their families.
#MHFBeanie
LIKE Mark Hughes Foundation on Facebook FOLLOW @MarkHughesFdn on Twitter and @MarkHughesFoundation on Instagram
For further information:
Kris Buderus
Mark Hughes Foundation
0428 147 000
events@markhughesfoundation.com.au
ENDS//
