National Rugby League (NRL) clubs, players and fans will unite to raise money for brain cancer research for the seventh time when the annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round kicks off on Thursday night.
During the 2023 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) hopes to sell its one millionth beanie during NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.
The Foundation hopes to raise $3.5 million during this year’s Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, which will see players, Clubs, fans and broadcasters Channel Nine and Fox Sports come together for an important cause.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round grows every year thanks to the support of the Rugby League community.
“What Mark and his team have done over six Beanie for Brain Cancer Rounds is nothing short of inspirational,” Mr Abdo said.
“Mark’s dedication continues to highlight what an extraordinary person he is, and the public’s support of his story and his foundation are also great examples of the Rugby League community coming together for an important cause.
“One million beanies is an extraordinary measure of the scale of Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. That’s one million opportunities for life-changing research which Rugby League through the Mark Hughes Foundation has provided.
“The support and of this movement is awe-inspiring and grows larger every year.”
MHF Founder Mark Hughes said: “On behalf of everyone who has suffered the devastating effects of brain cancer I can’t thank the public enough for the generous support they’ve given. However the job isn’t done and we’ve got to keep showing up if we’re any hope of making a difference.
“I’ve always said there is magic in every beanie, and selling one million since the inception of MHF has put us in a position to realistically take on this deadly opponent.
“The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle has brought together the best experts in the field to collaborate for a cure and change the lives of thousands of patients diagnosed with brain cancer each year. This drives critical research, education and health care improvements at a national scale.
“It is because of the generosity of the community in buying our beanies that this is possible. We now have better research – but the final result still hinges on every beanie we sell.”
Sportsbet is continuing its long running support of Beanie for Brain Cancer round by donating $1000 for every try scored in Round 18 NRL matches.
Sportsbet has been a contributor to the Mark Hughes Foundation since 2017, and has donated more than $400,000 for Beanie for Brain Cancer rounds in that time.
Sportsbet CEO Barni Evans praised the work done by the Mark Hughes Foundation and is delighted to again be involved in Beanie for Brain Cancer.
“We've been involved with the Mark Hughes Foundation and Beanie for Brain Cancer Round for six years now. It's a wonderful cause and we're excited to give our continued support,’’ Evans said.
“There were 58 tries scored in the Beanie round last year and we're hoping it rains tries on the weekend.’’
Round 18 will this year feature matches in Sydney, Auckland, Melbourne, Canberra, Townsville and Brisbane, giving enormous reach to the campaign.
The Big Three trek will once again take place alongside Beanie for Brain Cancer Round; 63 trekkers will walk from McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle to 4 Pines Park in Manly across three days raising funds and awareness for MHF.
In Australia, Brain Cancer kills more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. Supporters are being urged to help raise much needed funds by buying a beanie or donating to the Mark Hughes Foundation. More information is available at markhughesfoundation.com.au.
Beanies will be available online from all Lowes Australia stores, participating NSW/QLD/ACT IGA Australia stores or online at www.markhughesfoundation.com.au.
Brain Cancer statistics
- Survival rates have increased by 1% over the last 30 years
- Kills more children than any other disease
- Only 2/10 people diagnosed will live more than 5 years
- Kills more people under 40 than any other cancer
- Receives less than 5% of federal funding for cancer research
- One person every 5 hours is diagnosed in Australia
