A scrum of Newcastle Knight’s Old Boys have put their heads together to tackle a monumental challenge.
Following the inspirational success of the Paul Harragon-led Kokoda Trek in aid of the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) last year - key Knights’ players from the 1997 and 2001 grand finals have teamed up to take on Everest Base Camp in support of their great mate Mark Hughes and to help tackle brain cancer.
“The 2016 Kokoda Trek was a great success on many levels so we are hoping to do even better this year” said Mark Hughes. “Even though it will be a physically and mentally gruelling challenge, the boys were all quick to jump on board and the 30 spots on The MHF Everest Challenge were snapped up.
The way I see it is, patients and families with brain cancer climb far tougher mountains. This challenge is nothing compared to the challenges they are going through.”
Leaving in October for the 14 day trek, The MHF Everest Challenge team, (including Matty Johns, Bill Peden, Danny Buderus, Matt Gidley, Kurt Gidley, Manly Sea Eagle Steve Menzies together with ‘Chief’ and Mark Hughes) are currently warming up on the sidelines ready to come off the bench and hit the mountain running… or walking. The biggest challenge, however, is not just the physical and psychological hardships they will encounter on their journey - but reaching the $500,000 fundraising target the team has set.
“This is one goal we are determined to convert - especially with the wonderful support of nib and The Man Shake coming on board. Of course the support MHF receives from the Newcastle and Hunter communities is nothing short of amazing... but this year, we couldn’t be prouder to have both nib and The Man Shake as our major sponsors” Mark said.
We are thrilled to have nib joining us to film the whole adventure allowing everyone to follow the journey online as well as their generous $20,000 donation. Also our great friend and former teammate, Adam McDougall, has once again donated a phenomenal $100,000 to kick off The MHF Everest Challenge and to continue the ongoing partnership with MHF.”
The Mark Hughes Foundation has been formed to raise much needed funds for research, awareness and to support brain cancer patients and their families. Brain cancer is the biggest killer of children under 10 and adults under 40 years yet it is one of the most underfunded and under researched cancers of all time.
All media are invited to attend The MHF Everest Challenge media launch
11am Monday 28th August at HMRI (Haggarty Space), Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights (parking provided) for interviews with Mark Hughes, Paul Harragon, Danny Buderus, nib and The Man Shake
For further information contact Kris Buderus on 0428 147 000
Donations to MHF Everest Challenge here
Follow MHF on facebook and instagram markhughesfoundation