November 5, 2026

17 Ladies Set Off on an Unforgettable Everest Base Camp Challenge

After months of training, fundraising and preparation, 17 incredible women have officially embarked on the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) Everest Base Camp Ladies Trek 2026.


The group has left Australia and is preparing for an unforgettable 14-day adventure through the Himalayas, with their sights set on reaching Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 metres.
Over the next two weeks, the ladies will trek through historic Sherpa villages, experience Nepalese culture and take in some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery, including views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse.


With days involving up to eight hours of walking, the trek will test the group’s physical and mental endurance as they gradually make their way towards Everest Base Camp, with the iconic viewpoint of Kala Patthar offering an incredible panorama of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.


While reaching Base Camp will be an extraordinary achievement, the trek represents something much bigger.
Each of the 17 women has dedicated months to balancing training, fundraising, work and family commitments, united by a shared commitment to raising vital funds for brain cancer research, care and support through the Mark Hughes Foundation.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Major Sponsor Club Maitland City, along with Lindy Property, Whiteley, RE3 Compression, Australian Bloodstock and MRM Solutions for their incredible support and commitment to helping make these fundraising adventures possible.


You can still support the team and help make a difference for people affected by brain cancer by donating to their fundraising campaign. Every donation, big or small, helps fund vital brain cancer research, care and support.


Donate here: https://everestbasecamp26.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home

The Mark Hughes Foundation wishes all 17 trekkers the very best for the journey ahead and looks forward to following their progress as they take on this incredible challenge in the Himalayas.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram as they embark on an adventure of a lifetime, with every step helping make a difference for those affected by brain cancer.

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?