With Ryan Papenhuyzen and James Tedesco on board, Greyhound Racing NSW’s (GRNSW) partnership with the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) looks set to be a winner.
The two NRL stars, and Ambassadors for the organisation, joined CEO Steve Griffin recently to present a $20,000 cheque to the Newcastle-based charity at the National Greyhound Adoption Event at Moore Park, which will be the initial contribution from the industry.
It’s hoped the alliance continues to build awareness around the MHF and its fight against brain cancer.
“Over the next six months, we’ll not only be working on fundraising for the foundation, but we’ll do everything we can to raise an understanding of its mission,” Griffin said.
“Brain cancer is the leading cause of death in children and adults under the age of 40.
“So, with our sport having such a large audience across all demographics, our aim is to increase awareness through a number of ongoing initiatives.
“We’re keen to raise as much money for the Mark Hughes Foundation as we can, too.
“That includes promoting the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer round in June.”
Among the programs will be the Red & Blue All November Through campaign.
Throughout November, GRNSW is donating $161 every time the red (number 1) or the blue rug (number 4) wins a race at all NSW meetings.
Ironically, they are the colours of the Newcastle Knights.
And, the $161 amount is also significant.
During his NRL career, Hughes played that many games for the Knights.
GRNSW will conduct more than 1,200 races in November… and it’s anticipated the initiative could return more than $60,000.
“We’re very grateful to Greyhound Racing NSW for its substantial fundraising efforts from the Adoption Day and over the coming months to enable us to continue our research activities at the MHF,” Hughes said.
“I’m especially looking forward to November where I hope everyone is cheering on the red and blue rug, which will help us in our race to beat brain cancer.”
At the age of 36, Hughes was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013.
But, he refused to be defined by his diagnosis and founded the MHF.
After surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy, there has been no regrowth of his tumour.
Even better, his foundation has raised in excess of $30 million for research.
In 2022, it partnered with the University of Newcastle to announce a $25 million centre for Brain Cancer Research.
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