The Newcastle Knights came together with its charity partner the Mark Hughes Foundation for Old Boys Day at Hunter Stadium on Sunday to raise much needed awareness about brain cancer.
The Mark Hughes Foundation is a not for profit organisation formed in Newcastle by Mark and Kirralee Hughes following Mark’s diagnosis with brain cancer in 2013.
The foundation has been formed to raise much needed funds to promote research, heighten awareness and support brain cancer patients and their families within the community.
As a Knights’ Old Boy himself, the day was a special one for Mark Hughes who was part of the Old Boy’s festivities and celebrations as well as activities for his foundation on game day.
“It’s always a great privilege to see the boys run out, it’s a very special Club and I’m just very lucky to have been part of that,” Hughes told Knights TV after the game.
“It’s always nice to come back and meet up with some old mates that you played with a long time ago and to cheer on the boys.
“When they win it’s probably that little bit more special.”
The day was an incredible success for the Foundation with thousands of fans engaging in awareness raising activities as well as donating to the cause.
“Everyone who has turned up today has supported through donations as well as the awareness that we’ve raised for the foundation has been great,”Hughes said.
In a touching tribute to those who have lost their battle with brain cancer, family members and friends released grey balloons into the sky at a moving service at half time.
“Thank you so much to the Newcastle Knights, it’s been a wonderful day," Hughes said.
“It’s all about raising awareness so we can stop this terrible disease.”
He also said the foundation has plenty of upcoming events and urged people to visit www.markhughesfoundation.com.au for more information and to get involved.
