Knights support Mark Hughes Foundation
Knights legend and Founder of the Mark Hughes Foundation, Mark Hughes, admits it's a wonderful time for the organisation with the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round kicking off this week.
"The NRL Beanie Round, it's where the whole NRL stops and supports our cause," said Hughes.
Newcastle has gone one step further with an announcement on Monday that McDonald Jones Stadium will temporarily change its name for a week to 'Beanie for Brain Cancer Stadium', complete with a giant beanie on the stadium logo.
It will be proudly on show for the nib Newcastle Knights' Round 12 clash with the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday.
"Being from Newcastle, I couldn't be any prouder for McDonald Jones Homes giving up the name of the stadium, which is a huge honour," commented Hughes.
The Knights have also launched a commemorative MHF Beanie for Brain Cancer jersey for the Round.
"I'm going to see the Knights run out on to the field in the jersey with the MHF logo and it's going to be wonderful for our awareness," Hughes added.
"We're really encouraging as many people as possible to come to the game, the beanie will be for sale at the game, you can pick them up or get one online, but the best way will be to come to the game and get your beanie and support the team."
Mark Hughes and his wife Kiralee created Beanie for Brain Cancer shortly after Mark was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013.
The NRL's Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is the foundation's biggest annual fundraiser, contributing to brain cancer research and patient support.
"We have got big goals in research, it costs a lot of money and this is the big springboard for us where we raise a lot of awareness," he said.
"We raise a lot of funds so it's our big campaign and we rely on the support of people.
"$20 will buy you a beanie and you're making a donation towards brain cancer research which is so important to people like myself and so many people out there suffering from brain cancer."
Hughes said last year's effort in raising funds for Beanie for Brain Cancer Round was outstanding and is hoping it will be just as big, if not bigger, in 2018.
"Matt Callander was very instrumental in setting up last year's Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, but unfortunately he passed away from brain cancer last year and that's the reality of brain cancer," Hughes maintained.
"Last year's support blew us away, right through the NRL we got this fantastic wave of support, so we're really hopeful we'll get similar support throughout the NRL Round and people will buy their beanie.
"You can also register on the Mark Hughes Foundation's website your school, your team or your business to do Beanie day at your work in three or four weeks as well.
"Looking forward to seeing everyone at the game on Sunday in their beanies."
If you haven't already, get your ticket to this Sunday's game HERE and support the cause.
You can also donate to the MHF HERE.
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