What started in 2021 with three mates and a simple goal has grown into one of the most inspiring fundraising events on the Beanie for Brain Cancer calendar.
This year, over 100 trekkers and support crew will make the 150km journey from Sydney to Newcastle on the Big Three Trek. Together, they represent countless stories of courage, loss, hope, and determination. Some are walking in memory of loved ones they’ve lost, while others are walking beside families still navigating the challenges of a brain cancer diagnosis.
In 2025, the Big Three Trek reached an incredible milestone, raising more than $1 million over its first five years. At the heart of it all are Luke and his wife Ella, whose passion, dedication, and tireless work have transformed a tribute to a friend into a powerful legacy that is helping change lives.
Among this year’s trekkers is Brooke Coleman, who will once again walk in honour of her dad, Phil.
In September 2023, Phil was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), an aggressive stage 4 brain cancer. Over the following 18 months, he faced surgery, radiation, and multiple chemotherapy treatments with unwavering courage and determination. Heartbreakingly, Phil passed away in March 2025.
Since her dad’s diagnosis, Brooke has walked the Big Three Trek every year.
“Each year since Dad’s diagnosis I have walked 150km in his honour with the hopes of making a difference,” Brooke said. “Again, this year I will use the same grit and strength that he taught me to finish yet another trek.”
For Adam Johnson and his mates making up “Team LJ”, this year’s trek carries a deeply personal meaning too.
Adam, alongside Mark, Chris, Troy, Michael, Shaun and Tim, will be walking for Adam’s son Liam, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour after more than six months of unexplained illness and multiple misdiagnoses.
The 2026 Big Three Trek will mark just over two years since Liam’s diagnosis was confirmed as a Medulloblastoma on his sixth birthday.
What followed was every parent’s nightmare: two brain surgeries, 30 days of brain and spine radiation, and four months of intensive chemotherapy. Following his first surgery, Liam temporarily lost his ability to walk and communicate.
Today, Liam’s recent 12-month scan is thankfully clear, and he is enjoying getting back to being a kid. Adam and his mates are walking for greater awareness, earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
Among Rugby League royalty, brain cancer warriors, survivors, families and supporters, this year’s Big Three Trek crew embodies everything the event has become known for: mateship, resilience and hope.
As the trekkers set off from NRL HQ and make their way towards Newcastle during the NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, every step will carry a story. Every blister, every early morning start and every challenging kilometre will be a reminder of why they walk. They walk so that one day, no family has to hear the words, “It’s brain cancer.”
