The Mark Hughes Foundation, which has become synonymous in the Hunter with its campaign Beanies for Brain Cancer, is recruiting businesses, schools and organisations to raise money during June. 

While last week was the official Beanies for Brain Cancer Week, Mr Hughes encouraged organisations to sign up, wear a beanie and bring a gold coin donation.

“We want to continue to raise as much funds and awareness as possible and we’re having a great run,” he said.

Mr Hughes attended Maitland’s All Saints College St Peter’s in the years leading up to his successful football career in the Newcastle Knights.

“It’s wonderful to be back here at my old school, it’s always my favourite to visit,” he said.

“And it’s wonderful to see the teachers and students support  [Beanies for Brain Cancer].”

Mr Hughes said he was thankful for the support his foundation had received from more than 200 registered organisations across Newcastle and the Hunter.

“Cancer’s out in the community and, unfortunately, there are families suffering all the time,” he said.

“Brain cancer needs more research, more awareness and it needs a cure.

“People are happy to get behind a good cause, they’ve really gotten behind mine and I’m very grateful.”

And while Mr Hughes won his last premiership with the Knights in 2001, around the time many of the senior students at St Peter’s were born, the gravity of his presence and message was not lost on the young minds. 

The school sold more than 150 beanies to teachers and students while collecting gold coins for the foundation.

“People want to try and help, with him being an ex-student, it’s about being behind him in his cause,” Student Jaqaiar Liufalani said.

“People know what it’s like to be touched by cancer in their own lives,” Student Emily Burgess added.