With snow on the Barrington Tops it has been a little chillier than usual around the Hunter Region in recent weeks.
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Now one local charity is giving little kids and big kids alike the chance to keep warm while helping to raise awareness and funds for the leading cause of cancer death for people under 40 years of age.
The Mark Hughes Foundation officially launched its “Beanie For Brain Cancer” week at Mayfield yesterday with benefits of the project immediately apparent.
“It’s a bit chilly at the moment so it’s definitely a great time to be wearing a beanie,” charity founder Mark Hughes said. “It’s a bit of fun for the kids and a great opportunity for us to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer.”
Hughes, former Newcastle Knights premiership winner and 1997 Maitland Sportsperson of the Year, recently finished treatment for brain cancer.
He is encouraging groups from the Hunter to get involved by registering at the foundation website and donating a gold coin for wearing a beanie to school, work or sport between July 28 and August 1.
“We thought, ‘why not come up with the concept Beanie For Brain Cancer day?’ and we’re very excited to be doing it,” he said.
“We had focused more on the primary schools to start with, but it is open to anyone who wants to get involved. We love any kind of help and support.”
Hughes had some help to launch his latest project with Knights trio Kurt Gidley, Chris Houston and Jeremy Smith.
The players were heading to a morning recovery session following their third straight NRL victory on Sunday, a 31-18 triumph against the Sharks in Cronulla, while Hughes and Danny Buderus continued to brave the cold weather outside with the kids.
“It was good they came and helped out,” Hughes said.
“It was a big game yesterday so they probably appreciated wearing warm beanies but they are about to jump in a heated pool so they should be alright.”
Hughes, who launched the foundation in May with $50,000 worth of donations less than a year after being diagnosed with brain cancer, said he was in good shape despite the life-changing health scare.
“I’m feeling great and the treatment is all behind me now,” Hughes said.
“I’m living healthy, feel fit and just enjoying life.”
All money raised goes directly to brain cancer research at the Hunter Medical Research Institute.
Those who register on the Mark Hughes Foundation website go in the draw to win a coaching clinic with Hughes and Buderus or a signed Knights jersey.
