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.

Our News

Keep up to date with latest news by MHF

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

June 23, 2026

A DECADE OF HOPE: NRL BEANIE FOR BRAIN CANCER ROUND RETURNS FOR MILESTONE 10TH YEAR

Media Release | Tuesday, 23 June BUY AN MHF BEANIE TO HELP TACKLE BRAIN CANCER | NRL ROUND 17: JUNE 25 –
June 22, 2026

Ridin’ 4 Mates – Darwin to Bulga for Brain Cancer

This month, an incredible team of 20 riders plus support crew are taking on the challenge of a lifetime for the Mark
June 22, 2026

No Training Required. Just One Month, One Goal, One Way to Make a Difference.

The good news is there’s no training, no special equipment and no finish line to cross. Simply sign up for Dry July,
June 19, 2026

NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round 17

The 2026 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is almost here, and we’re getting ready to turn stadiums across NSW and Queensland into a
June 10, 2026

MHF COMMITS LANDMARK $18.9M BOOST TO ACCELERATE BRAIN CANCER RESEARCH 

A landmark $18.9 million philanthropic gift will supercharge Australia’s fight to beat brain cancer and accelerate new treatments, with the University of
June 4, 2026

Erica’s Story

At the Mark Hughes Foundation, we are continually inspired by the courage, resilience and strength shown by those facing brain cancer. Every

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.

NRL Beanie Round

NRL Beanie 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

MHF Magic Ball

MHF 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.

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

MHF Magic Ball

MHF 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.

Read More

NRL Beanie Round

NRL Beanie 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

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.

Two Great Men, One Great Idea.

By Maddy Callander 10 years of the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. And nearly a decade since we lost my Dad,

Coen’s Story

For most seven-year-olds, life is filled with school, sport, video games and endless adventures. For Coen, it’s all of those things

Caregiver to Patient: Lauren’s Story of Strength and Community

For those who work in regional hospitals, the bonds formed between colleagues often run deeper than the workplace. Built on trust,

Jaxson’s Journey

At just nine years old, Jaxson was diagnosed with a focal brainstem juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA), a rare paediatric brain tumour.

Bonnie Hughes Shares her Story

Bonnie Hughes was only 18 months old when her dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Now 14, she knows a lot

Erica’s Story

At the Mark Hughes Foundation, we are continually inspired by the courage, resilience and strength shown by those facing brain cancer.

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. 

Drawn 21 July

Big Three Trek 6.0 Raffle

Support The Junee Crew by entering their Big Three Trek Raffle!
Drawn 13th August

WIN a 2026 Ford Everest

The raffle is apart of the fundraising efforts by Club Maitland City’s CEO Ian and Marketing Manager Hayley as they challenge themselves in upcoming MHF Larapinta and Everest Base Camp adventure treks.
June 27 - July 25

Ridin’ 4 Mates IV | Tropics to the Bush

A dedicated team of 20 riders are pushing their limits on an incredible journey from Darwin to Bulga, riding 4,300 kilometres over the course of a month.
Friday - Sunday |  26th June - 28 June

The Big Three Trek 6.0

A highlight of the NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round!
Saturday |  July 11

FRIDAY 400 FUNDRAISER

One dream. 30 teams. 50km each. $150k goal.
Sunday |  July 19

Hunter Valley Winery Run 2026

The running festival features a marathon, half marathon, 10.5km, 5km, and a 2km ‘Kids Marathon’.

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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