Last weekend’s 2021 Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, which is a cause close to the Club’s heart, has been revealed to be a huge success.
The Mark Hughes Foundation’s (MHF) aim of raising $3 million was surpassed on Sunday afternoon with a record $4.1 million being raised.
A sea of MHF Beanies could be seen at every game with an astonishing 160,000 beanies sold during the campaign.
Retired nib Newcastle Knights great Mark Hughes who formed the foundation after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013 thanked those who contributed to the fundraiser in a statement released on Sunday afternoon.
“Every year the rugby league community digs deep but this result is truly incredible,” Hughes said in an NRL Media Release.
“From the 28 people who trekked 150km from Sydney to Newcastle, the $1 million donated by McCloy Family Foundation, the NRL and to every single person who bought a beanie and held a fundraiser big and small - thank you!
“With what has been raised in the last five years we are now in a position to put the best brain cancer research and support team in the world together, here in Newcastle and this is helping us change the outcome for future patients diagnosed.
“We are truly humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude.”
A special announcement was made during the Knights' clash with Warriors which saw the newly formed McCloy Family Foundation pledge $1 million towards the recently announced MHF research commitment to the University of Newcastle.
McCloy Family Foundation CEO, Hayley Van de Stadt, praised Mark and Kirralee Hughes on the work the foundation has done so far.
“Mark and Kirralee’s commitment to the Foundation and the positive impact it has had on a local level and national level is both remarkable and inspirational,” Van de Stadt said.
“So much so, that our recently established McCloy Family Foundation is proud to donate $1 million to MHF to help fund lifesaving research into brain cancer with Newcastle University.”
The money raised by the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round will help fund vital research that will aim to find a cure for the disease.
It's not to late to play your part, with beanies still available on the Mark Hughes Foundation website and at selected IGA and Lowes stores.
