Beanie for Brain Cancer

BUY A BEANIE HELP BEAT BRAIN CANCER

Beanie for Brain Cancer

BUY A BEANIE. HELP BEAT BRAIN CANCER.

Our Famous Magic Ball

Prepare to be captivated by Miami Nights at the 2025 MHF Magic Ball

Join us on 16 August at NEX, Newcastle for an electrifying evening featuring premium food & wine, world class entertainment, and exclusive auction prizes. This is one of the most anticipated events on the Hunter’s calendar, all in support of the Mark Hughes Foundation. Tickets are $235 each or $2300 for a table of 10. Mark your calendars NOW!! Tickets go on sale at 10am Tuesday, 6 May 2025. See you under the neon lights.

Thank you to our major sponsors – Avery, AHA Newcastle & Hunter and The MacDougall Foundation. We look forward to an unforgettable evening, all dedicated to supporting MHF patients and their families while driving crucial research into brain cancer. 

Mark HUghes Foundation

BEATING BRAIN CANCER IS WITHIN OUR POWER

Our News

Keep up to date with latest news by MHF

Stay up to date with all the latest news by Mark Hughes Foundation. 

September 25, 2025

MEDIA RELEASE, Thursday, 25th September

Twice the Distance, Twice the Fight: MHF Trekkers Take on Kokoda Back to Back The Mark Hughes Foundation will embark on an
September 23, 2025

ABCARA 2025 Scientific Research Symposium: Pioneering Frontiers in Brain Cancer Research

The 2025 ABCARA Scientific Research Symposium, proudly supported by the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF), brought together leading minds in neuro-oncology on 17
September 11, 2025

Heysen Flinders Ranges Challenge Wraps with $80,000 Raised for MHF

Fourteen determined trekkers have returned from six unforgettable days on South Australia’s iconic Heysen Trail, raising an incredible $80,000 for the Mark
August 26, 2025

Trekking the Heysen Flinders Ranges for Brain Cancer Research

This week, a remarkable group of supporters will set out on an unforgettable adventure – an 8-day trek through South Australia’s iconic

KOKODA BACK to BACK Challenge

Less than 1% of Australians have conquered the legendary Kokoda Track—and even fewer have taken on the ultimate test: a double crossing. This October, Mark Hughes, MHF Ambassador Danny Buderus, and a team of 20 trekkers will embark on an epic 192km journey across the treacherous Kokoda Track—not once, but twice in just 12 days.
 
The courageous team of trekkers will face the ultimate test of endurance on the Kokoda Track, tackling a punishing double crossing over 12 days. From Owers Corner to Kokoda and back, the challenge will see them navigate relentless climbs, steep descents, and dense jungle. They will ascend Mt. Bellamy, cross Ua Ule Creek 22 times, and battle the brutal Brigade Hill climb.
 
Paying tribute to Australian soldiers who fought on these historic grounds, the team will hold commemorative services at key battlegrounds. After days of physical and mental trials, the journey will end at the Bomana War Cemetery, where they will reflect on their incredible achievement and the enduring legacy of Kokoda.

Our Stories

EVERY ONE OF THE 2000 BRAIN CANCER PATIENTS DIAGNOSED EACH YEAR and those connected to our cause have a STORY

Some are difficult to read, some hard to even imagine, some are uplifting and some tragic – but every one of them is inspiring.

Noah’s Story

Beautiful Noah Kelly sadly passed away in April 2025, just after the Easter holiday long weekend. From 16 months old, he

Zach Morrissey – Forever 26

Zach Morrissey was just 21 when brain cancer cruelly interrupted his life. He radiated kindness, humour, generosity, and ambition. A brilliant

Doron’s Story

Life can change in an instant, and for Doron, what began as an exciting overseas adventure soon turned into an unexpected

Lisa’s Journey with the Mark Hughes Foundation: City to Surf 2025

This year, I am honoured to support the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) by participating in City to Surf 2025. I have

Mark Hughes Foundation 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.

Mark Hughes Foundation Major Events

Beating brain cancer will take the power of your support.

Community fundraising helps us raise vital funds to support brain cancer patients, raise awareness about brain cancer and raise funds for research to find a cure. We have now made it even easier for you to support us.

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.

Read More

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 9th MHF Magic Ball, set to grace NEX, Newcastle, on August 16, 2025.

Read More

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 $4.3 million so far to support brain cancer patients and their families.

Read More

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.

Read More

MHF Major Events

Beating brain cancer will take the power of your support.

Community fundraising helps us raise vital funds to support brain cancer patients, raise awareness about brain cancer and raise funds for research to find a cure. We have now made it even easier for you to support us.

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.

Read More

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 $4.3 million so far to support brain cancer patients and their families.

Read More

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 9th MHF Magic Ball, set to grace NEX, Newcastle, on August 16, 2025.

Read More

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.

Read More

BEATING BRAIN Cancer will take the power of research

We believe that with the power of research, innovation, compassion and collaboration, together, we can beat brain cancer.

MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research

The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative research centre which brings together scientists and clinicians, consumers and patient care professionals and builds on the University of Newcastle’s established and dynamic cancer research ecosystem and world-class technology, spaces and infrastructure.

Through collaboration and partnership with our community and like-minded national and international organisations, the Centre will drive world-leading research programs to improve the lives of people with brain cancer today and increase survival rates in the future.

We are taking action and bringing together the best experts in the field to advance brain cancer research to achieve the greatest impact for brain tumour patients.

MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research

The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research is a multi-disciplinary, collaborative research centre which brings together scientists and clinicians, consumers and patient care professionals and builds on the University of Newcastle’s established and dynamic cancer research ecosystem and world-class technology, spaces and infrastructure.

Through collaboration and partnership with our community and like-minded national and international organisations, the Centre will drive world-leading research programs to improve the lives of people with brain cancer today and increase survival rates in the future.

We are taking action and bringing together the best experts in the field to advance brain cancer research to achieve the greatest impact for brain tumour patients.

Our Events

Find an event to attend near you

Stay up to date with all the latest events by Mark Hughes Foundation. 

Draw will be brought forward if sold out sooner. |  Promotion closes 28 November 2025. Drawn 1 December 2025.

True Impact Australia Charity Draw

Support the Mark Hughes Foundation and go in the draw with True Impact Australia for your chance to win big.
Sunday |  12 Oct

2025 NIKE MELBOURNE MARATHON FESTIVAL

Registrations open Wednesday, 27th November. Register now to run and raise funds for MHF!
19 October

The Athlete’s Foot Fernleigh 15 2025

Run the Fernleigh Track and experience the beauty of this classic old rail line that has become the place to run and ride in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
October 10th - 24th, 2025

Kokoda Back to Back

This year’s trek marks a return to where it all began for the Mark Hughes Foundation adventure series. Joining the team is MHF trekking pioneer Bill Peden, who helped inspire the Foundation’s very first fundraising expedition in 2016 and fellow Newcastle Old Boy and NRL legend, Danny Buderus!

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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