Bonnie Hughes was only 18 months old when her dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Now 14, she knows a lot more about what it’s like to have Mark Hughes for a dad. Bonnie surprised her dad by giving a touching speech during the event at the announcement of our latest commitment to the University of Newcastle yesterday.
“I was too young to understand what was happening, too young to know how much uncertainty, fear and heartbreak my family.” Bonnie told the audience. “For me, Dad has always just been Dad – the one who makes me laugh, supports me, embarrasses me sometimes, and is always there for our family,” Bonnie said.
“Growing up, the Mark Hughes Foundation was never something separate from our family. Being involved in the Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign has always been something I’ve loved. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to understand more about what brain cancer really means. And if I’m honest, it scares me. It scares me to think that Dad has this horrible disease.”
She added that “Seeing all the researchers, fundraisers, volunteers, supporters and donors gives me hope that brain cancer one day won’t be a death sentence”.
Bonnie has appeared in all of the beanie campaigns over the years and along with her older brothers, Zac and Dane, have proudly shown their support, helping out wherever they can.
(L-R) MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research Director Professor Mike Fay, Kirralee, Bonnie and Mark Hughes OAM, and University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky.
