MARK Hughes’ memory of leading a team of 17 through a singing guard of honour at the end of the legendary Kokoda Track is one that will stay with him forever.
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The moment was a milestone on the team’s epic 284 kilometre journey from Papua New Guinea’s north coast to its south coast, which raised about $140,000 for brain cancer research.
“It was very emotional and I asked Billy [Peden, who came up with the idea for the trek] to join me and lead us through at the end,” Hughes said.
“It was such a great feeling of euphoria that the group had done such an awesome job and got through this challenge together. Anyone who was there will never forget what we went through.
“It was the closest I’ve come since finishing with the Newcastle Knights to being so involved in a team working so hard together.”
Hughes returned home on Thursday in time for Beanie For Brain Cancer Week, which starts June 20.
The Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) has raised more than $150,000 for research since it started the event in 2014. It has already collected more than $26,700 and sold more than 10,000 beanies this year, including 500 to Coles at Kurri Kurri.
“Every dollar gets us closer to a cure for brain cancer – that’s what the Hunter needs and that is what we are striving for,” Hughes said.
“The support we’re getting gives us a loaded gun to get more research done and get better outcomes for patients.
“We’re doing absolutely everything we can to try and get as many answers as we can as fast as we can – we’re in a hurry.”
Brain cancer kills more adults under 40 and children than any other disease, but receives less than five per cent of government funding.
MHF fundraising has already helped establish a biobank of tumours, funded researchers to learn about cutting-edge work being done overseas and supported a brain cancer care nurse at John Hunter Hospital.
“She’s the angel on the shoulder of every brain cancer patient and making such a difference to patients and their families with her knowledge, care and advice.”
Hughes said he spent much of the trek reflecting on how far the raised funds could go to help other patients.
His team, which also included former teammates Paul Harragon, Brad Godden and David Fairleigh, started from Buna and cycled 120 kilometres on dirt, rock and road to Kokoda. They walked the Kokoda Track to Owes Corner, before riding the final 60 kilometre leg to Port Morseby.
“I have so much admiration and gratitude for them giving up a couple of weeks of their life and challenging themselves to help us.”
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
