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Fundraising and Events

Fundraising & Events

Mark Hughes Foundation Major Events

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.

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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 8th MHF Magic Ball, set to grace NEX, Newcastle, on August 17, 2024.

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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.

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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.

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The Mark Hughes Foundation is committed to raising much needed funds to support brain cancer research

You’re invited to help us tackle brain cancer by supporting our events. Here you’ll find upcoming events MHF is hosting or partnering – and other events our supporters are hosting to help us raise funds. So grab your family and friends and join our tribe in our fight against brain cancer!

Friday |  07 Feb

MHF Sports Lunch

Join Emma and Paul as they bring us the third annual Sports Lunch to help raise funds for MHF.
Saturday |  15 Feb

Ladies Long Lunch

Join us for an afternoon of fun and frivolity as we come together to raise funds for the 2025 MHF Ladies trek to New Zealand.
01 April

2025 Ladies NZ Southern Alps Challenge

Fresh off the success of their incredible adventure to Kokoda, the MHF ladies have set their sights on another ambitious challenge—an 8-day trek through New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps.
Sunday |  06 April

Hill to Harbour 2025

Experience the beauty of Newcastle’s coastline with the Hill to Harbour Fun Run.
Saturday |  19 April

Newcastle Marathon 2025

oinciding with the Easter weekend in 2025! This event includes a marathon and half marathon – are you up for the challenge?
Sunday |  18 May

7Rocky River Run 2025!

The 7Rocky River Run is back on Sunday 18 May 2025 with registrations opening 3 December 2024!
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 |  01 June

EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival 2025

The EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival is one of the oldest and most friendly events on the Australian calendar attracting thousands of participants from over 35 countries annually.
Sunday |  01 June

Maitland Running Festival

Early bird entries go on sale Friday 22nd November 2024!
Saturday & Sunday |  05 July - 06 July

Gold Coast Marathon

Celebrate the 45th edition of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon
Sunday |  13 July

7Cairns Marathon Festival 2025

Race along the stunning Esplanade in Cairns in the heart of Tropical North Queensland with community support and hospitality like no other.
Sun |  10 Aug

Eva Air Sunshine Coast Marathon 2025

Race along our flat, fast, scenic & PB worthy course on the beautiful Sunshine Coast with community support and hospitality like no other.
28 Aug - 4 Sept

Heysen Flinders Ranges Challenge 2025

Over 8 days soak up the beauty and grandeur of the scenic Wilpena Pound, visit Alligator Gorge, one of the Flinders Ranges most spectacular natural attractions, spot a yellow‑footed rock wallaby or emu and relax under the stars in unique, comfortable outback accommodation.
Sunday |  31 Aug

TCS Sydney Marathon 2025 presented by ASICS

TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is now the 7th member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors!

Would you like to host your own event?

There are plenty of ways to raise funds for the MHF; whether you organise a bake sale, trivia night, music gig, casual clothes day or exhibition – there really is no limit!

Would you like to host your own event?

There are plenty of ways to raise funds for the MHF; whether you organise a bake sale, trivia night, music gig, casual clothes day or exhibition – there really is no limit!

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.

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