The Mark Hughes Foundation is honoured to be the Newcastle Knights’ charity partner on Old Boys Day this Sunday, September 7, at Hunter Stadium.
The Mark Hughes Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation formed in Newcastle by Mark and Kirralee Hughes, following Mark’s diagnosis with brain cancer in 2013.
The Foundation has been formed to raise much-needed funds to promote research, heighten awareness and support brain cancer patients and their families within the community.
“While my diagnosis came as a big shock, I’ve accepted that it’s a path I’ve been given and I now have an opportunity to turn something negative into something truly positive,” Mark explains.
“The Mark Hughes Foundation also allows me to give back to those who have helped me and are helping others in my position.
“Being involved in Sunday’s game as a charity partner of the Knights, gives us the chance to raise more awareness of this terrible disease.
“It is extra special to be involved on Old Boys Day, which is always a great day for us past players to join with the current players and the fans, to celebrate our great Club.”
The Knights players will be joined by Mark on Tuesday at Wests Mayfield to officially kick off the week together.
An online charity auction has already commenced, with bids closing on Wednesday 3 September 2014 at 7pm. The two items include a Game Day Experience for two people for Round 26, and a Golf and Dining Package with Mark Hughes and Danny Buderus. More details for these items are available on www.markhughesfoundation.com.au.
The week will culminate on Sunday when the Mark Hughes Foundation joins the Knights Old Boys at Hunter Stadium. Together they’ll give the fans an opportunity for a photo with the 1997 and 2001 Grand Final Premiership trophies. There will also be a photo booth set up on the concourse level of the Western grandstand, hosted by some Knights’ greats.
Then at half time, a group of families who have directly lost loved ones from brain cancer will release grey balloons, as a sign of those passed and hope for those still battling.
